I have been married to a wonderful Christian man since 1976. The Lord has blessed us with two daughters and two sons. I consider each day the Lord gives me on the earth yet another chance to serve Him.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Italian Wedding Soup

This is one of my daughter Tonia's favorite soups. A few steps but easy to make. I was told long ago that the reason this soup is called a wedding soup is not because it's often served at weddings, but the blending (or marriage) of chicken and beef stock. I don't know if it's true, but it makes sense to me.  You can use remade meatballs if you don't want to make your own.



ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP
(serves 8)


Meatball Ingredients:
*1 pound lean ground beef
*2 eggs, beaten
*1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
*1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
*2 garlic cloves, minced
*1/2 small onion, chopped fine
*1/2 teaspoon black pepper
*2 teaspoons dried basil

Soup Ingredients
*10 cups chicken stock
*2 cups beef stock
*1 tablespoon chicken granules
*3 cups thinly sliced escarole (can use fresh spinach if you prefer)
*1 cup orzo pasta (or pasta of your choice)
*4 teaspoons olive oil
*1 small yellow onion, chopped 
*2 cups finely chopped carrot
*2 stalk celery, chopped fine

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
~In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, onion & basil.
~Shape into 1/2 inch meatballs (about 1 teaspoon).
~Place onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
~Bake for 10 minutes.
~Remove from oven, and set aside.
~In a medium sauce pan cook orzo as directed on box, drain, and set aside.
~In a medium skillet, sauté carrots, & celery in the olive oil, for about 3-5 minutes.
~In a large saucepan, heat chicken stock, and beef stock to a boil.
~Stir in escarole, orzo, chicken granules, meatballs, carrots & celery.
~Return to a boil.
~Reduce heat to medium and cook until escarole is wilted.

Instant Pot Directions:
~Make your meatballs.
~Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to instant pot and set it to sauté mode (low).
~Add the meatballs and brown on each side. 
~Sauté carrots, celery and onions until veggies are soft.
~Add chicken and beef stock, orzo, and chicken granules.
~Cancel sauté mode and put on pressure cook.
~Pressure cook for 4 minutes.
~Do a natural release for 2 minutes and then do a quick release.
~Stir in escarole and stir until wilted.



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