California Italian Wedding Soup

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 1
Delicious California Italian Wedding Soup recipe to warm you up on chilly days
in Soup

Prep

20 min

Cook

15 min

Ready In

35 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
Loading...

Ingredients

1/2 pound extra-lean ground beef
1 egg , lightly beaten
2 tablespoons Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons shredded fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon chopped Italian flat leaf parsley ( optional )
2 green onions , sliced ( optional )
5 3/4 cups chicken broth
2 cups finely sliced escarole ( spinach may be substituted )
1 lemon , zested
1/2 cup orzo ( rice-shaped pasta ) , uncooked
grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
251
Sugar
2g
Fat
8g
California Italian Wedding Soup is a delicious twist on the classic Italian wedding soup recipe. This version adds some west-coast flair with the addition of fresh basil and lemon zest. The meatballs are made with extra-lean ground beef, making them a healthier option than traditional meatballs. Escarole is used in place of spinach for a heartier, more substantial green. The orzo adds some texture and bulk to the soup, while also providing some carbs to fuel your body. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or for meal prep throughout the week.

Instructions

1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, and green onions (if using). Mix until well combined.
2.Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a quarter.
3.In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
4.Add the meatballs and escarole to the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the escarole is wilted.
5.Meanwhile, prepare the orzo according to package instructions.
6.Serve the soup hot, topped with the cooked orzo and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

PROS

This soup is protein-packed and full of flavor, perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day.
It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra greens!

CONS

The addition of orzo can make this soup quite carb-heavy, so it may not be the best option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Additionally, depending on the type of chicken broth used, it may be high in sodium.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This soup is a great source of protein from the ground beef, and the escarole provides a healthy dose of vitamins A and K. The lemon zest adds a bright, fresh flavor while also providing some immune-boosting vitamin C. To make this soup even healthier, use a low-sodium chicken broth and omit the extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Print

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.