Go Back

Italian Wedding Soup with Orecchiette

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours

Ingredients
  

  • 1 batch Parmesan Fennel stock see below
  • 1 batch Meatballs see below
  • 1 cup dried orecchiette
  • 1 head lacinato kale stalks removed, coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 loaf of chiabatta sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
Parmesan Fennel Stock
  • 1 large Parmesan rind
  • 1 fennel bulb quartered
  • 1 sweet onion halved
  • 3 small carrots cut into thirds
  • 1/2 bulb garlic
  • 12 sprigs flat leaf parsley
  • 3 celery stalks coarsely chopped
  • 14 g 0.5 oz dried mixed mushrooms
  • 12 cups water
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • Salt to taste
Meatballs
  • 454 g 1lb ground pork
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley coarsely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Method
 

For the Stock
  1. Place the rind and vegetables into a large stock pot. Add the water and wine, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduced the heat to a simmer and cover. Let cook for 4 hours or until the liquid is reduced by half. Taste and season with salt accordingly. Remove the stock from the heat and set aside.
For the Meatballs
  1. Place all the ingredients except the olive oil in a large bowl. Using clean hands, mix the ingredients until well integrated. Form the meat mixture into mini 1/2 teaspoon-sized meatballs.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a quarter-sized amount of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add half of the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Repeat with the remaining half of the meatballs. Set the browned meatballs aside until ready to use.
For the Soup
  1. When ready to assemble the soup, preheat the oven to 425°F.
  2. Arrange slices of ciabatta on a large baking sheet. Brush a little olive oil on each slice and sprinkle with salt. Toast the bread until golden, about 7 minutes. Remove the bread from the oven and top the slices with parmesan. Return the pan to the oven and toast until the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. While the bread is toasting, bring the stock up to boil. Add the orecchiette and cook for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the meatballs, cook for another 10 minutes. Stir in the kale and cook until it begins to wilt.
  4. Divide the finished soup amongst four bowl and top with 2 or 3 ciabatta slices. Serve immediately.