Many cultures across the world share the tradition of celebrating special occasions with a delicious soup. But the origins of a particular soup dish known as ‘Italian Wedding Soup’ may surprise you.
So, why is this special soup called ‘Italian Wedding Soup’? Well, keep reading to find out! The history and name of this comforting classic is as interesting as our wedding traditions and the soup itself is as delicious as any special occasion!
Why Is It Called Italian Wedding Soup?
Italian wedding soup holds one of the most delightful secrets. It is a hearty mix of broth, veggies, and other ingredients.There is much debate about the origin of the soup and even its name. Let’s dig deep and unearth why Italian wedding soup is so called and what delights it has in store for us.
The Name Italian Wedding Soup
Contrary to what many assume, Italian wedding soup is not found in many Italian cookbooks nor is it a traditional Italian soup. The origins of the soup are from Southern Italy, a region known for its culinary delights. The reasons it was named Italian wedding soup is because of the marriage between the little “meatballs” (or “wedding”) and vegetables (“soup”) in the broth.Another hypothesis is that Italian immigrants to the United States named the soup that way because of its colorful and festive presentation when served during wedding feasts.
Ingredients of Italian Wedding Soup
Italian wedding soup is a broth-based soup with a mix of vegetables (onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes) and other ingredients.It also includes meatballs, which is the meat component of the dish. These meatballs are typically made of ground beef, pork, or other meats, although some do use seafood as a twist.
The broth is usually made with a combination of stock and water and often includes onions, carrots, and other herbs and spices such as parsley and oregano. The soup is then finished with a wide variety of greens like spinach, Swiss chard, and endive, giving the soup continuity and flavor.
A Taste of Celebration
Italian wedding soup is a hearty and flavorful blend of different components, each one contributing to the complex flavor profile.Its flavor is fresh and bright because of the herbs and spices used to season it. This soup is a popular accompaniment to weddings and is often a comforting dish shared with friends and family on special occasions. Its wonderful combination of flavors and textures make it a go-to dish for social gatherings. It also works as a great healthy option for a weeknight dinner.