Looking for some ideas for a hearty lunch? Try this Italian soup.

The search for a hearty lunch option has led many home cooks to a traditional Italian dish known as wedding soup. This recipe, originally published by the Croatian portal Journal.hr, combines small meatballs with vegetables, pasta, and Parmesan cheese. It serves as a substantial meal suitable for colder days when diners desire a comforting spoon-based dish. While Italian cuisine is globally recognized for pizza, pasta, and tiramisu, this specific soup remains less famous outside of family recipes passed down through generations. Its popularity stems from simple preparation methods and rich flavor profiles. The foundation of the dish relies on a balance of ingredients. Small meatballs provide body, while carrots, onions, and celery contribute sweetness and aroma. Fresh spinach adds a refreshing element, and short pasta increases satiety. A final garnish of freshly grated Parmesan completes the Italian profile. Although the ingredient list is extensive, the cooking process is manageable. Forming the tiny meatballs takes the most time, but the rest of the preparation occurs in a single pot. The result can easily serve as a main course for either lunch or dinner. To prepare the meatballs, combine 225 grams of ground beef and 225 grams of ground pork in a large bowl. Add 30 grams of fresh white breadcrumbs, a small handful of chopped fresh parsley, one small sprig of fresh oregano, 45 grams of finely grated Parmesan, one large egg, one teaspoon of salt, one quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and one tablespoon of olive oil. Gently mix these components until uniform. Shape the mixture into small balls approximately two to two and a half centimeters in diameter. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan. Brown the meatballs in batches over all sides until golden brown, which takes about four minutes per batch. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage because they will finish cooking in the broth. For the soup base, heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot. Add 160 grams of diced carrot, 190 grams of finely chopped yellow onion, and 80 grams of chopped celery. Sauté for six to eight minutes until softened. Add four cloves of minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Pour in two liters of low-sodium chicken stock and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly. Stir in one cup of short pasta, such as orzo, along with the browned meatballs. Simmer over medium heat for about ten minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the meat is fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta and the size of the meatballs. Just before finishing, stir in 170 grams of chopped fresh baby spinach. Allow it to wilt for about one minute, ensuring the leaves remain bright green. Serve the soup hot in bowls, topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan. Optional accompaniments include a piece of fresh bread. In a separate culinary context, autumn traditions often feature mushroom soups. One variation uses 0.5 kilograms of fresh chanterelles, one large onion, two cloves of garlic, one medium potato, two tablespoons of olive oil, 20 grams of butter, one level tablespoon of flour, 1 deciliter of white wine, approximately 8 deciliters of stock or water, 1.5 deciliters of cooking cream, one teaspoon of dried marjoram, salt, pepper, and optional fresh parsley. Clean and chop the mushrooms, mince the onion and garlic, and dice the potato. Sauté the onion in oil and butter until translucent, then add the mushrooms and cook for five to seven minutes. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and marjoram. Deglaze with white wine and simmer until mostly evaporated. Dust with flour and sauté briefly. Gradually whisk in hot stock, add the potatoes, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until soft. Stir in the cream and simmer briefly. Blend the mixture roughly to create a thick, creamy texture while leaving some chunks intact. Adjust consistency with water if needed, season, and serve garnished with parsley.