How to Make California Italian Wedding Soup - A Step-by-Step Guide

Italian wedding soup is a classic dish that combines the flavors of Italy with the comfort of a hearty, warm bowl of soup. This recipe for California Italian wedding soup puts a fresh, West Coast spin on the traditional dish, incorporating locally sourced ingredients and seasonal vegetables to create a healthier, lighter version of the beloved soup.

California Italian wedding soup is the perfect marriage of Italian and Californian cuisines, blending the rich flavors of Italian herbs a...

Read more

Ingredients

  • ½ pound extra-lean ground beef
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons shredded fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon chopped Italian flat leaf parsley (Optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (Optional)
  • 5 ¾ cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups finely sliced escarole (spinach may be substituted)
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • ½ cup orzo (rice-shaped pasta), uncooked
  • grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Servings: 6

  • Mix together beef, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil, parsley, and green onions; shape into 3/4-inch meatballs.
  • Pour broth into a large saucepan over high heat. When boiling, drop in meatballs. Stir in escarole, lemon zest, and orzo. Return to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cook at a slow boil for 10 minutes or until orzo is tender, stirring frequently. Serve sprinkled with cheese.
  • Nutrition

    159 cal.

    • Total Fat: 6g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 55mg
    • Sodium: 99mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 15g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 1g
    • Protein: 12g
    • Vitamin C: 4mg
    • Calcium: 47mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 200mg