[Italian Wedding Soup] or Minestra mariata - spinach and meatball soup

I can tell you that this is my favorite soup by far.

I think the name of this soup is really cute. Maybe not the name itself, but the story how this italian soup was named "Italian wedding soup" is kind of cute.

Did you know that "wedding soup" is a mistranslation of the soup's original Italian name, minestra maritata ("married soup")? It is named minestra maritata("married soup") because the main ingredients, spinach(or other green vegtables) and meat get along so well just like a married couple. :)

I like this story :)

But, it is very true that meatballs and spinach in the chicken broth are so well harmonized.

As this soup is clear broth based,

this is rather light soup, but quite filling.

We have a bowl of italian wedding soup for a light meal.

As I mentioned before, in the Pickle soup recipe,

Most soups are really easy to make.

Here goes the recipe.

I took a photo of the ingredients all together, but it disappeared misteriously!!

Ingredients(the quantity is very generous since I make sure that there will be some leftover

for Mr. D and my lunches)

250g extra lean ground beef
250g ground pork (or italian sausage is good too)
1 egg
4 tablespoons breadcrumbs

1 carrot, cut into small cubes
4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon onion, ground
12 cup chicken broth
3/4 - 1 Cup short pasta, e.g. acini de pepe
1/2 lb spinach, frozen (or 1 bunch of fresh spinach, washed and chopped)
salt,
pepper
italian seasoning (optional)
parmesan cheese (optional)

How to make

<Meatballs>

1. To make the meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork(or sausage without casing),  ground onion, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Using 1 teaspoon for each, roll mixture into small balls and set aside.

You can make big meatballs. Small meatballs are just my preference.

<Soup>

2. Bring the broth to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

3. Add the meatballs, frozen spinach and carrot and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes. Add meatballs; cook, without stirring, until meatballs float to surface, about 5 minutes.

4. Add pasta and cook another 5 more minutes.

5. Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.

6.Ladle the soup into bowls and serve.

Finish soup with parmesan cheese if desired.

It's lovely.

Enjoy!

Italian Wedding Soup - Minestra Maritata