Italian Wedding Soup

This Italian Wedding Soup, known as Minestra Maritata in Italian, is a hearty and rustic dish that beautifully marries the flavors of stewing beef, pork belly, salami, and chicken with a medley of vegetables and pasta. With only 10 minutes of prep time and 1 hour and 40 minutes of cooking, it’s a robust and comforting soup that’s perfect for a gathering or a cozy family meal. Let’s dive into the details of this flavorful recipe.

SERVES 4–5
PREP 10 MIN
COOK 1 HR 40 MIN
FREEZE 3 MONTHS

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 1/2 oz (150g) stewing beef, diced
• 1 boneless pork belly slice, rinded and diced
• 4 oz (115g) piece of salami, diced
• 1 chicken portion, with bones
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 quart (1 liter) beef stock
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 head spring greens or 4-6 cavolo nero leaves, shredded
• 1 head of green or red chicory
• 2 oz (60g) soup pasta shapes
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Crusty bread, to serve

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place all the meats (stewing beef, pork belly, salami), chopped onion, beef stock, fresh rosemary sprig, and bay leaf into a large pan. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, skim any surface impurities, then reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer very gently for 1 1/2 hours, or until the meats are tender and melt-in-your-mouth. Remove and discard the rosemary sprig and bay leaf.
2. Carefully lift out the chicken portion, discard the skin, and remove all the flesh from the bones. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and return it to the pot with the other meats. Add the shredded spring greens (or cavolo nero), chicory, and soup pasta shapes to the simmering pot. Bring the soup back to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
3. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Ladle the Italian Wedding Soup into large open soup plates. Sprinkle each serving generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot with crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal.

This Italian Wedding Soup is a robust and flavorful combination of meats and vegetables, making it a perfect dish for a hearty family dinner or a gathering with friends. With its ability to be frozen for up to 3 months, you can enjoy this delicious soup anytime you desire. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and savor the flavors of Italy in this comforting and rustic soup.

Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or savoring it on your own, this Italian Wedding Soup is sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. So, embrace the flavors of Italy, prepare this delightful soup, and create memorable moments around your table. Buon appetito!