Barley Stew

Homemade Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Italian wedding soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to bring a smile to your face. This homemade recipe is packed with flavor and is perfect for those chilly nights when you want something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of small pasta, such as orzo or ditalini
• 4 cups of fresh spinach, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, mint, basil, garlic, onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Add the meatballs to the pot and let them cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
5. Add the pasta and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
6. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.

How to Prepare:

To prepare this homemade Italian wedding soup, start by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, mint, basil, garlic, onion, egg, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Next, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You can use your hands or a small scoop to make the meatballs.

In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Once the broth is simmering, add the meatballs and let them cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

After the meatballs are cooked, add the pasta to the pot and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. You can use small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini for this recipe.

Finally, stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted. This will add some bright green color and extra nutrients to your soup.

Preparation Time:

The preparation time for this homemade Italian wedding soup is approximately 30 minutes. This includes the time it takes to mix the meatball ingredients, shape the meatballs, and cook the soup. It’s a relatively quick and easy recipe to make.

Servings:

This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people, depending on portion size. It can be easily doubled or halved to accommodate larger or smaller groups.

Nutrition Facts:

The nutrition facts for this homemade Italian wedding soup may vary slightly depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. However, here is a general estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 300
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 20g

Tips:

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a can of white beans, such as cannellini or Great Northern, to the recipe.
• This soup is even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch and enjoy leftovers.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for the meatballs?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will still yield delicious meatballs.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.

Q: Can I substitute the spinach with another leafy green, like kale?
A: Yes, you can use kale or any other leafy green in place of spinach. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of making my own?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-made meatballs from the grocery store. Just add them to the soup and cook according to the package instructions.

Enjoy this homemade Italian wedding soup for a comforting and flavorful meal. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day or whenever you’re in the mood for some comforting Italian flavors. Buon appetito!

Traditional Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a hearty beef and barley soup to warm you up on a cold winter day. This traditional recipe is packed with tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and flavorful herbs. It’s the perfect comfort food to enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup of pearl barley
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of beef broth
• 1 cup of water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

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