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Oma's Easy Italian Wedding Soup (Italienische Hochzeitssuppe)

Looking for an Italian Wedding Soup Recipe that's quick and easy? How about one that has lots of variations? I love to make this with kale instead of the usual spinach. Adds an extra depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

Meatballs

• ½ pound ground lean pork
• ½ pound ground lean beef
• ⅓ cup bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 large egg

Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup chopped onions
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup small pasta such as stars or orzo
• 12 ounces baby spinach or other greens (see hints below)
• salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix the meatball ingredients together well in a large bowl. Using a teaspoon as a measure, form into 1-inch balls and place onto a large plate. Cover and put in fridge until ready to use.
2. Into a large soup pot, sauté onion in the olive oil until translucent. Add celery and garlic and cook for a further couple of minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chicken stock and bay leaf and bring to a boil. 
3. Add meatballs and pasta making sure everything is submerged. Bring to boil, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir in spinach.
4. Check that the meatballs are fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper if needed.

Notes/Hints:

• Add any green veggies you have in your fridge such as broccoli, chicory, escarole, green cabbage, kale, spinach, collard greens, etc. Shred them and add to soup.
• Instead of using a beef/pork mixture, you can take 1 pound of Italian Sausage, and remove the casings. Add 1 egg, 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs, and 1 tablespoon minced parsley. Mix and form into meatballs and use as above.
• If you have a delicious homemade chicken soup recipe, use that to make the stock.
• You can also use purchased stock or bouillon cubes and water.

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Updated January 6, 2026