Italian Wedding Soup

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
2. Add chicken or beef bones to the pot, along with water and a bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for several hours to extract maximum flavor from the bones and vegetables.
3. While the broth is simmering, prepare the meatballs. In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then shape the mixture into small meatballs.
4. Once the broth is ready, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids. Return the strained broth to the pot and bring it back to a simmer.
5. Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering broth and let them cook for 10-15 minutes, until cooked through and tender.
6. Add cooked pasta and leafy greens to the pot, stirring gently to combine. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes until the pasta is heated through and the greens are wilted.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
8. Ladle the Italian Wedding Soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Storage Methods:

• Italian Wedding Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth to make a vegetarian version of Italian Wedding Soup. Add extra vegetables like diced potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

Benefits of Ingredients:

• Bone Broth: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, bone broth offers a range of health benefits, including improved digestion, enhanced immunity, and joint support.
• Leafy Greens: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, leafy greens like spinach and escarole promote overall health and well-being, supporting everything from heart health to cognitive function.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like parsley and basil not only add flavor and aroma to Italian Wedding Soup but also offer potent health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

In the timeless tradition of Italian cuisine, Italian Wedding Soup stands as a testament to the power of love, family, and good food. With its rich broth, tender meatballs, and vibrant greens, it embodies the spirit of togetherness and the joy of sharing a nourishing meal with those we hold dear. So gather your loved ones, ladle up a bowl of steaming soup, and savor the taste of amore in every spoonful—a taste that transcends time and fills the heart with warmth and contentment.