Italian Wedding Soup

This dish is Italian American and not Italian. Its name comes from a mistranslation of minestra maritata ("married soup"), which is called that because the meat and vegetables are well married. The original soup is much heavier than the American version. This is a great soup to make this time of year. It is hearty, but healthy. So if you are still on a honeymoon with your New Year’s resolutions, then make this delicious soup!

You will fall in love with this soup!

Servings: 6-8
Hardware: A cutting board and knives, measuring spoons and cups, a mixing bowl, un-powdered latex gloves, a stock pot, a wooden spoon,
Time: Prep: 15 minutes Cooking: 20 minutes

Chicken meatballs
Ingredients:

•  ½ pound ground chicken
• ⅛ cup bread crumbs
• 4 teaspoons milk
• 4 teaspoons Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons pesto
• 1 tablespoon mayo

1. This is easiest to do with your hands. Put on latex gloves. Combine all the ingredients in the bowl and mix with your hands. Make small ½ inch meatballs.

Soup:

• chicken meatballs
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ½ small onion (¼ cup)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 carrot (½ cup)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup baby spinach leafs
• 1 cup small pasta (I used ditali)
• 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan + more for garnish
• S&P

1. Wash the spinach. Remove the stems and roughly chop.
2. Wash the carrot. Dice the carrot, onion, and garlic.
3. Heat the oil in the pot on medium high. Add the carrot, onion, and garlic. Allow to sauté for 5 minutes or until the onions are clear.
4. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Add the meatballs and pasta. Allow the soup to return to boil. Reduce the heat to medium.
5. Cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. The pasta should be firm (al dente) and the meatballs should be cooked through. Stir in the spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2 minutes or until the spinach is wilted.
6. S&P to taste. Garnish with more Parmesan.