Vegetarian Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Italian Wedding Soup, traditionally a comforting blend of meatballs, greens, and broth, gets a delicious vegetarian makeover in this recipe! Don’t let the name fool you – it doesn’t actually have anything to do with weddings. The name comes from the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” meaning “married soup,” referring to the marriage of flavors between the greens and broth.

This vegetarian version captures the essence of the classic, replacing the meatballs with flavorful vegetarian alternatives like white beans and mini vegetarian “meatballs” made from a savory lentil mixture. It’s surprisingly hearty and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with friends and family.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup mini vegetarian meatballs (store-bought or homemade – see note below)
• 4 cups chopped spinach or escarole
• 1/2 cup small pasta (orzo or ditalini work well)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
3. Add the cannellini beans, vegetarian meatballs, and pasta. Cook according to the pasta package directions, or until the pasta is tender.
4. Stir in the spinach or escarole and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Note: For homemade lentil meatballs, combine cooked green lentils, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, herbs, and spices. Form into small balls and either bake them beforehand or add them directly to the soup. Store-bought vegetarian meatballs are a convenient alternative.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Vegetarian Italian Wedding Soup! It’s a delightful twist on a classic that everyone will love.

Ingredients:
olive oil, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, cannellini beans, mini vegetarian meatballs, spinach or escarole, small pasta, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese

Tags:
Vegetarian, Italian Wedding Soup, Soup, Recipe, Vegetarian Recipe, Italian Food, Meatless, Comfort Food, Weeknight Meal, Cannellini Beans, Vegetarian Meatballs, Lentils, Spinach, Escarole, Orzo, Ditalini, Pasta, Vegetable Broth, Easy Recipe, Minestra Maritata