Vegetarian Italian Wedding Soup (with Ricotta Dumplings)
A hearty, comforting Vegetarian Italian Wedding Soup featuring delicate ricotta dumplings, packed with fresh vegetables and herbs for a nourishing meal.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 tbsp Olive Oil
1 cup Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese, well-drained
1 large Yellow Onion, finely diced
1 large Egg, lightly beate
2 Carrots, finely diced
1/4 cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
2 Celery Stalks, finely diced
2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
4 cloves Garlic, minced
8 cups High-Quality Vegetable Broth
1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
1 tsp Dried Oregano
1/2 tsp Dried Basil
1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
5 oz Fresh Spinach or Escarole, roughly chopped
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Gradually fold in the flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Set aside
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes until softened
- Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for one minute until fragrant
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cover, allowing to simmer for 15-20 minutes
- While the soup simmers, bring a separate pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Form small dumplings from the ricotta mixture and drop them into the boiling water. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they float, then transfer to a plate
- Add the chopped spinach or escarole to the soup and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes
- Gently add the cooked dumplings to the soup and simmer for another 2-3 minutes
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesa
Notes
Ensure the ricotta is well-drained for light dumplings.
Cook dumplings separately to maintain their texture.