California Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
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California Italian Wedding Soup

By: DPATEL 
"This is my variation of a standard recipe. I like fresh basil and a little lemon rind, so those are basically my only changes. This is a quick and easy soup with flavors that impress all."

This Kitchen Approved Recipe has an average star rating of 4.7 Rate/Review | Read Reviews (144)

Prep Time:
10 Min
Cook Time:
15 Min
Ready In:
25 Min

Servings  (Help)

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Original Recipe Yield 6 servings
 

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound extra-lean ground beef
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons shredded fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon chopped Italian flat leaf parsley (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
  • 5 3/4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups finely sliced escarole (spinach may be substituted)
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 1/2 cup orzo (rice-shaped pasta), uncooked
  • grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions

  1. Mix together the meat, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil, parsley, and green onions; shape into 3/4 inch balls.
  2. Pour broth into a large saucepan over high heat. When boiling, drop in meatballs. Stir in escarole, lemon zest and orzo. Return to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cook at a slow boil for 10 minutes or until orzo is tender, stirring frequently. Serve sprinkled with cheese.

Nutritional Information open nutritional information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 159 | Total Fat: 5.6g | Cholesterol: 60mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

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 view all reviews »  

The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Jan. 22, 2008 by ASHLEY_S   view full review
I have been making this recipe for about 4 years now and consider it the best version of...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 14, 2003 by WUNDERDA   view full review
This is good but I tried it the 2nd time with just pork meatballs and it is much...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Jan. 27, 2004 by WANDA   view full review
Wow! I have never rated a recipe before, but I randomly came across this one and thought the...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Aug. 3, 2006 by REESERCAT   view full review
This is a light soup that is perfect with deli sandwiches for a quick and easy summer meal. I...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Aug. 5, 2006 by DOLCEVITA   view full review
Wonderful soup - the lemon zest is mandatory! I used all the fresh herbs as recommended, plus ...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Aug. 3, 2006 by PHILHERB Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)  view full review
I have been making Italian wedding soup for years and everyone loves it, yes it is so easy to...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Aug. 3, 2006 by Krista   view full review
This is a great recipe, however, I changed it slightly by using half lean pork meat and half...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Sep. 6, 2004 by LWYANCEY   view full review
This soup was excellent! I've never had Italian Wedding Soup anywhere but Atlanta Bread Co.,...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on Jul. 3, 2008 by GodivaGirl   view full review
DELICIOUS! Fresh herbs are a must to give this such flavor. My meatballs were 1/2" and I...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.7 star rating.
Reviewed on May 10, 2004 by JDVMD Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)  view full review
Delicious! I was looking for something to make using ground beef because I was sick of...

 

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