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Gordon Ramsay Wedding Soup Recipe

Gordon Ramsay Wedding Soup

Gordon Ramsay’s Wedding Soup is an elevated version of the traditional Italian Minestra Maritata, which translates to “married soup,” symbolizing the perfect harmony of flavors between meat and greens. The soup consists of well-seasoned meatballs, tiny pasta like acini di pepe, and leafy greens simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s a light yet satisfying dish, often served with freshly grated Parmesan and crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 6 cups chicken or beef stock
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ cup acini di pepe pasta (or orzo)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or escarole, chopped
  • Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)

For Garnish & Serving

 

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Crusty bread or garlic toast

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

  1. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
  2. Form the meatballs: Roll into small meatballs (about ¾-inch in diameter).
  3. Sear the meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Soup Base

  1. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
  2. Add broth and seasonings: Pour in chicken stock, then add salt, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs and Pasta

  1. Return the meatballs: Add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the pasta: Stir in acini di pepe pasta and cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.

Step 4: Finish the Soup

  1. Add the greens: Stir in spinach or escarole and simmer for 2 more minutes until wilted.
  2. Adjust seasoning: Add lemon juice for brightness, if desired. Remove the bay leaf.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

 

  1. Ladle into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread.