Italian Wedding Soup

Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Italy with our comforting Italian Wedding Soup. Bursting with wholesome ingredients and Italian Wheatballs, this soup is a delightful celebration of taste and tradition. If you plan ahead, consider making half-size Italian Wheatballs to ensure every spoonful offers the perfect bite. Alternatively, embrace spontaneity and use your spoon to break them apart as you enjoy each spoonful. Let the aroma of this soul-soothing soup fill your kitchen as you prepare to savor the authentic taste of Italy.

YIELD: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 large leek, white part only, cleaned, sliced in thin half-moons
• 1 stalk celery, sliced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 teaspoons (3 g) Italian seasoning blend
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Generous pinch of ground white pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) dry white wine or additional water
• 1 recipe of Italian Wheatballs
• 2 tablespoons (15 g) nutritional yeast
• 1 handful sliced cabbage
• 8 cups (2 L) water
• 1 to 2 tablespoons (18 to 36 g) vegan bouillon paste
• 1 cup (168 g) dry orzo
• 2 packed cups (80 g) baby spinach, sliced
• Black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced leek, celery, carrots, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, white pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to coat the vegetables with oil and infuse them with the aromatic blend of Italian herbs.
3. Pour in the dry white wine, incorporating it into the mixture to enhance the flavors.
4. Add the Italian Wheatballs, nutritional yeast, sliced cabbage, water, and half of the vegan bouillon paste. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Stir in the dry orzo and sliced baby spinach. Add additional bouillon paste if desired to enhance the soup’s depth of flavor.
7. Cook for 10 minutes longer or until the orzo becomes tender and the spinach wilts, creating a harmonious blend of textures.
8. Season the Italian Wedding Soup with black pepper according to your taste preference.

This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this soup is a cherished taste of Italy that will transport you to the rustic charm of traditional Italian kitchens.

RECIPE NOTE:

• If you plan to enjoy the soup over multiple servings, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it to individual portions when serving to avoid orzo bloat. This way, every bowl will offer a perfect and satisfying bite without compromising on taste.

As you savor each spoonful of our Italian Wedding Soup with Bulgur, let the flavors take you on a journey to the picturesque landscapes of Italy—a country renowned for its rich culinary heritage. With every ingredient carefully selected to bring out the essence of Italian flavors, this soup is a heartwarming celebration of tradition and taste. The tender Italian Wheatballs, aromatic herbs, and wholesome vegetables come together in perfect harmony, offering a delightful symphony of flavors in every mouthful. So, embrace the warmth and comfort this soup brings, whether you plan ahead with half-size wheatballs or live on the edge, breaking them apart to create your own perfect bites. Gather your loved ones around the table, and share in the joy of this Italian-inspired delight that leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds and in your heart. Enjoy the timelessness of this Italian Wedding Soup, a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the artistry of authentic Italian cuisine. Buon appetito!