Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy with this irresistible Stracciatella Italian Wedding Soup! Imagine a steaming bowl filled with delicate egg strands, juicy meatballs, and tender spinach swimming in a rich, flavorful broth that promises to warm your soul and impress your dinner guests. This isn't just a soup - it's a culinary experience that combines traditional Italian flavors with simple, comforting ingredients that will make you feel like you're dining in a cozy trattoria.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 pound ground meat (beef or turkey)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated.
- Form small, bite-sized meatballs (approximately 1-inch diameter) by rolling the meat mixture between your palms. Set aside on a clean plate.
- In a large pot, heat chicken broth over medium-high heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.
- Carefully drop the prepared meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook for 10-12 minutes, ensuring meatballs are fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the eggs together with grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Slowly stream the egg and cheese mixture into the simmering broth while continuously stirring, creating delicate egg strands (stracciatella).
- Add chopped spinach to the soup and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted and tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls, ensuring an even distribution of meatballs, egg strands, and spinach.
- Optionally, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the most authentic flavor. Fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese make a significant difference.
- When forming meatballs, wet your hands slightly to prevent the meat mixture from sticking and ensure uniform size.
- Be gentle when adding the egg and cheese mixture to create those beautiful, delicate egg strands (stracciatella). Slow, steady streaming while stirring is key.
- Don't overcook the spinach - it should remain bright green and slightly tender.
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork in your meatballs.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature, as the egg strands can become firmer if left sitting too long.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
