Vegetarian Italian Wedding Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort Meals

Italian Wedding Soup is a beloved classic, known for its comforting broth, tender meatballs, and vibrant vegetables. But what if you want to enjoy all those rich flavors while keeping it vegetarian?

This vegetarian Italian wedding soup recipe is the perfect solution! It delivers the same hearty, satisfying experience with a plant-based twist, featuring wholesome ingredients like tender kale, delicate vegetarian “meatballs,” and a savory vegetable broth.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special family meal, this soup hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s easy to customize and packed with nutrition, making it a great choice for both vegetarians and anyone wanting a lighter, meat-free option.

In this post, I’ll guide you through every step to create a delicious and nourishing vegetarian Italian wedding soup from scratch. Ready your ladle and let’s dive into a bowlful of warmth and flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian Italian wedding soup combines the best of Italian comfort food with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Hearty and comforting: The combination of veggie-packed broth and flavorful vegetarian meatballs makes for a filling and satisfying meal.
• Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Customizable: Swap out kale for spinach or add your favorite veggies to suit your tastes and pantry.
• Nutritious: Loaded with protein from plant-based sources and enriched with vitamins from fresh vegetables, this soup supports your health without sacrificing flavor.
• Great for meal prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making it an ideal make-ahead option.

Ingredients

• For the vegetarian meatballs:
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas, mashed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup finely grated carrot
• 1/4 cup grated zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the soup base:
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup small pasta (acini di pepe or orzo works great)
• 3 cups chopped kale, tough stems removed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan or vegan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Medium-sized skillet (optional, for browning meatballs)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Slotted spoon or spatula (for removing meatballs)

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetarian meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed chickpeas, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), minced garlic, parsley, grated carrot, grated zucchini, and egg (or flax egg). Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together well. If too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs.
2. Shape the meatballs: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Optional step – brown the meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. This adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you prefer to cook them directly in the soup.
4. Prepare the soup base: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the broth and bring to a simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6. Add the pasta and cook: Stir in the small pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes, until al dente.
7. Add the meatballs and kale: Gently add the vegetarian meatballs to the simmering soup. After about 2 minutes, add the chopped kale. Continue cooking until the meatballs are cooked through and the kale is tender, about 5 more minutes.
8. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or vegan cheese, if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For a vegan version, substitute the egg in the meatballs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.”

If you prefer a gluten-free version, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. You can also experiment with different greens like spinach or Swiss chard instead of kale.

For added texture and nutrition, toss in chopped mushrooms or diced bell peppers during the sauté step.

Want a richer broth? Consider adding a splash of white wine to the sautéed vegetables or stirring in a spoonful of vegan cream cheese at the end for creaminess.

Leftovers taste even better the next day, so make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This soup shines as a standalone meal but pairs wonderfully with a few Italian-inspired sides. Serve with a crusty garlic bread or Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for dipping in the flavorful broth.

For a fresh contrast, a crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil complements the warm soup perfectly. You might also enjoy pairing it with light pasta dishes like Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners for a heartier Italian meal.

Conclusion

Vegetarian Italian wedding soup is a delicious twist on a classic, bringing all the warmth and comfort of the original into a wholesome, plant-based version. This recipe is perfect for anyone craving a nourishing bowl of soup that’s both flavorful and easy to make.

With vibrant vegetables, satisfying vegetarian meatballs, and a rich broth, it’s a meal that pleases vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Plus, its versatility means you can tailor it to your own taste and dietary needs.

Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or serving guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. And if you love exploring meatless meals, be sure to check out more inspiring recipes like Best Italian Vegetarian Recipes for Delicious Meatless and Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegetarian Italian Wedding Soup”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A comforting and hearty vegetarian twist on the classic Italian wedding soup featuring flavorful vegetable broth, tender greens, and savory vegetarian meatballs. Perfect for a nourishing meal any day of the week.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT50M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “4 cups vegetable broth”, “1 cup water”, “1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo)”, “2 cups fresh spinach, chopped”, “1 cup kale, chopped”, “12 vegetarian meatballs (store-bought or homemade)”, “1 carrot, diced”, “1 celery stalk, diced”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; saut\u00e9 until softened, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and water; bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add vegetarian meatballs and cook for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in pasta and cook until tender, about 7 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add spinach and kale; cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “210 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “6 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “28 g”}}