Description
This Lemon Basil Ricotta Cloud Italian Wedding Soup elevates the classic with bright lemon, fresh basil, and a creamy ricotta cloud for a comforting and flavorful experience. It’s a celebration in a bowl!
Ingredients
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (1.2 L / 5 cups): Foundation of the soup, controls saltiness.
- Ground Beef (250g / 9oz): For classic meatballs, provides savory flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese (50g / 1/4 cup, finely grated): Adds umami depth to meatballs.
- Large Egg (1): Binds meatballs.
- Milk (2 Tbsp / 30ml): Keeps meatballs tender.
- Plain Breadcrumbs (2 Tbsp / 30g): Binds meatballs, absorbs moisture.
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Classic Italian herb for flavor.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning.
- Orzo Pasta (100g / 3.5oz): Adds texture, absorbs broth.
- Fresh Spinach (100g / 3.5oz, chopped): Adds color and nutrients.
- Ricotta Cheese (200g / 7oz): Creates a creamy ‘cloud’.
- Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): Bright citrus aroma.
- Lemon Juice (1 Tbsp / 15ml): Tangy acidity.
- Fresh Basil (2 Tbsp / 30g, chopped): Sweet, herbaceous flavor.
- Olive Oil (1 Tbsp / 15ml, plus extra): For sautéing and finishing.
- Pine Nuts (2 Tbsp / 30g, toasted): Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
- Micro Basil Leaves (for garnish): Flavorful garnish.
Instructions
- Prepare Meatballs: Combine beef, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Form Meatballs: Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Simmer Meatballs: Boil broth, add meatballs, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook Orzo: Add orzo to broth and cook for 8 minutes.
- Wilt Spinach: Add spinach and cook for 2 minutes.
- Season Soup: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Make Ricotta Cloud: Combine ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, and basil.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle soup, top with ricotta, drizzle oil, sprinkle pine nuts, and garnish with basil.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use whole milk ricotta. Toast pine nuts to enhance their flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: italian, soup, meatballs, ricotta, lemon, basil, comfort food, healthy, easy