Pittsburgh Wedding Soup
Pittsburgh wedding soup is also known as Italian wedding soup. Why made soup when the weather is so warm outside? Because my hubby was sick and had a sore throat, I figured making him soup was best for his overall health. We had our wedding anniversary and his birthday passed this month without having any cake or celebration yet. The cake has to wait until he wants to eat something heavier than soup.
I’ve been wanting to try this recipe ever since I read it in The Cook’s Country Cook Book. Hey yeah…even though I wasn’t born here but my heart belongs here in the heartland. That’s why I’m trying to a good country cook, which I hope is working 
The soup is super delicious especially if you get the meat loaf mix, which is a mixture of ground beef, pork and veal. But if you can’t find such a mix, use 85-percent lean ground beef. The meatballs will be slightly drier but still taste good. According to the book, the origin of the soup was from a centuries-old southern Italian meat and vegetable soup called minestra maritata. "Maritata" means marriage in Italian, and in this case the pairing of meatballs and the greens in the soup is the holy matrimony. As for the greens, kale or Swiss chard can withstand the hot broth without disintergrating. The meatballs can be made smaller by using a melon baller. One thing I found out that was that refrigerating the meatballs after making them is crucial because if this step was skipped, the meatballs tend to break apart in the soup.
Today was the second day since the soup was made and we ate it with club sandwiches for lunch. The flavor has gotten better and it just needs a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil to make a complete meal.
Pittsburgh Wedding Soup
Serves 6 to 8
Meatballs:
2 slices hearty white sandwich bread, torn into pieces
1/2 cup low-fat milk
1 large egg yolk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pound meat loaf mix or 85-percent lean ground beef
Soup:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 quarts low-sodium chicken broth
1 large head kale or Swiss chard, stemmed, leaves chopped
1 cup orzo
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Salt and pepper
To make the meatballs: Combine the bread and milk in a large bowl and mash them with potato masher until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients except the meatloaf mix/ground beef, mash until combined. Using your hands, incorporate the meat into the bread and milk mixture, knead until all combined. Form the mixture into a 1-inch size meatballs (use an ice cream scooper if you like) and place them in a large baking pan. Wrap the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate about 30 minutes until quite firm. The meatballs can be made ahead, up to 24 hours in advance.
To make the soup: heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook the garlic and red pepper flakes about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the kale or Swiss chard and simmer until softened, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the meatballs and orzo, reduced the heat to medium, and simmer until the meatballs are cooked and the orzo is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper. The soup can then be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Source: adapted from The Cook’s Country Cookbook
I don’t think it has to be winter, or that you have to be sick to enjoy that soup. It looks great and I’d eat it anytime.
how true, I agree with you. soup is so economical and tasty at the same time
Comment by Ciaochowlinda — June 1, 2009 @ 5:37 am
Ini kayaknya enak, Liz…Cobain ah…..Gue kasih tau hasilnya nanti…hehehe…
udah dicoba belum?
Comment by patricia — June 1, 2009 @ 3:38 pm
I tend to eat soup all year, not just when it’s cold outside. This looks like a great soup to have when one is sick or healthy!
i love eating hot food when it’s warm outside too, sometimes to the complain of my hubby
Comment by Mrs. L — June 2, 2009 @ 3:59 pm
This looks really good, fantastic for nursing your beloved back to the pink of health!
I, especially love the placemat! It is very pretty!
yes, he’s very grateful for all my attention
Comment by Mrs Ergül — June 6, 2009 @ 10:16 pm