Post Title: Classic Comfort: California Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
**Preparation Time:** 20 minutes
**Cooking Time:** 40 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Servings:** 6
## Introduction
Welcome to an exciting journey of exploring rich flavors with our California Italian Wedding Soup recipe! With this recipe, treat yourself and your loved ones to a comforting bowl of an Italian classic with a fresh flavorful twist, perfect for any day of the week.
## Why Make This Recipe
Get a taste of traditional Italian and vibrant Californian cuisines combined into one hearty bowl. This recipe is a wholesome mix of lean proteins, nutritious vegetables, and delightful seasonings making it an irresistible, satisfying and healthy meal for people of all ages.
## How to Make California Italian Wedding Soup
### Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
– 1/2 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 lb ground chicken
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Soup:
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup acini di pepe pasta
– 3 cups chopped kale
– 1 cup frozen peas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for garnishing
### Directions
1. Begin by combining the ingredients for the meatballs in a bowl and shape them into roughly 1-inch balls.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot, brown the meatballs, and then set them aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté the onions, carrots and celery, followed by minced garlic.
4. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Introduce the pasta and let it simmer until almost cooked.
5. Finally, add the meatballs, chopped kale, and peas back into the pot. Allow everything to simmer until all ingredients are well-cooked. Season to taste.
6. For serving, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over it.
## How to Serve California Italian Wedding Soup
Serve this hearty soup hot in bowls, garnished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A piece of crusty Italian bread or garlic bread on the side would complement this dish perfectly.
## How to Store California Italian Wedding Soup
Store the leftover soup in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for future meals; it stays good for about 4 to 6 months in the freezer.
## Tips to Make California Italian Wedding Soup
– To save time, use a small ice cream scoop to shape your meatballs.
– Start checking the pasta about 5 minutes after you add it; pasta can quickly turn from perfectly cooked to overly soft.
## Variation
Swap the kale for spinach, or try using Italian sausage instead of ground turkey and chicken for a delicious twist.
## FAQs
1. **Can I use different types of pasta?**
Yes. Any small, quick-cooking pasta will work in this soup.
2. **Can I add different vegetables?**
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies you have on hand.
3. **How do I reheat the soup?**
You can reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Bring Italy to your kitchen with this heartwarming California Italian Wedding Soup recipe. Bon Appetit!