This recipe is a classic version of Italian Wedding Soup. I love making this soup for my babies. You know they will definitely eat it. They all love the tiny pasta. Yet there is so much spinach in there so they are getting there veggies also!! And they will never turn down Nana's meatballs. These bite sized ones are perfect for them. I like to see kids eat flavored foods. I can't stand when people just boil pasta and serve it to their kids plain or with butter. Give them flavors. Besides being able to hide some celery, onion and spinach in their...you might be surprised at their reaction. The more you introduce flavors to them....the more they will like them.
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP
1 LARGE ONION CHOPPED 1 CUP DICED CELERY 2 CUPS FINELY CHOPPED SPINACH 2 48OZ CANS OF LOW SODIUM CHICKEN BROTH 1 1/2 CUPS ACINI PEPE 1/3 LB GROUND BEEF 1 TBLSP GARLIC POWDER SALT & PEPPER 1 TBLSP PARSLEY 1/3 CUP GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE 1/3 CUP BREAD CRUMBS 3 EGGS 2 TBLSP OLIVE OIL
Chop the onion and celery....very tiny so the kids wont even notice them when they are all cooked down. Put it all in a large stock pot with heated olive oil.. Bring it to a simmer and allow to cook for about 15 minutes until all veggies are soft. Then add the chicken broth and bring it back to a simmer.
While that is simmering.....you can prepare your meatballs. In a bowl, put ground beef, garlic powder, salt and pepper, cheese, 1 egg and bread crumbs. Mix it together and make tiny balls, comparable to the size of a grape.
Next you can prepare your spinach by again chopping it very tiny.
When the broth and veggies have simmered about 15 minutes more and all the veggies are now very soft, you can throw in the spinach and the meatballs. As they cook they will release all the flavors you just put in the meat.... into the soup. It will give the broth fantastic flavor. Let this continue to simmer for about another 15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked. Then you can add the Ancini Pepe for the last 10 minutes or so until cooked. Remember that the pasta will continue to cook in the soup while it is hot so turn it off a few minutes before it is actually done.
Now, for the last step.....the egg!! Any great Italian Wedding Soup has threads of egg running through it. It is very easy to do and adds a creamy, deliciousness you won't want to leave out. So whisk your two eggs in a bowl. Now, as you are spinning the soup with a spoon in a circular motion, like a whirlpool, drizzle in the egg. It will cook immediately as it hits the hot soup and will form thin lines, like threads as you are spinning the soup.
OMG....this soup is amazing!!! It's called a soup but it is really a meal!! The kids will love it, you will love it. Great for a holiday or any night...give it a try!! ENJOY!!!! ALL GOOD STUFF!!!!!!