Gordon Ramsay Wedding Soup Recipe [+Tips]

I still remember the first time I tasted a bowl of wedding soup. it was at a cozy family gathering. The flavors were comforting yet fresh, a beautiful balance of hearty and light. Gordon Ramsay’s version takes that classic Italian-American soup and elevates it with his signature style.

• What It Is

  Wedding soup is a traditional Italian soup featuring tiny meatballs, greens and pasta in a clear broth. The name "wedding" doesn’t come from weddings but from the Italian phrase minestra maritata, meaning "married soup." It’s all about the marriage of flavors. savory meat, fresh greens and tender pasta.

• Ramsay’s Take

  Gordon’s recipe focuses on simplicity and high-quality ingredients, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor without being heavy. He adds fresh herbs and makes delicate meatballs that melt in your mouth. This isn’t just soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl.

Gordon Ramsay Wedding Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

When I first made this soup, gathering the ingredients felt like preparing for a small celebration. Each item had its role, contributing to the final harmony of flavors.

• For The Meatballs

  • Ground beef (or mix of beef and pork for richer flavor)
  • Breadcrumbs (for texture and binding)
  • Parmesan cheese (adds umami and depth)
  • Garlic (fresh, minced)
  • Egg (to hold it all together)
  • Fresh parsley and basil (bright, herbal notes)
  • Salt and black pepper

• For The Broth And Soup

  • Chicken broth (homemade or good quality store-bought)
  • Fresh spinach or escarole (for that vibrant green)
  • Small pasta like acini di pepe or orzo
  • Carrots and celery (finely diced for subtle sweetness)
  • Onion (finely chopped)
  • Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley or basil)
  • Olive oil (for sautéing)
  • Lemon juice or zest (optional for brightness)

Equipment Needed

I learned early on that the right tools make cooking smoother and more fun. Here’s what you’ll want on hand before starting your soup adventure.

• Medium-large soup pot or Dutch oven (for even heating)
• Mixing bowl (for the meatballs)
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
• Slotted spoon (to gently scoop meatballs)
• Measuring cups and spoons (for precision)
• Chef’s knife and cutting board (for chopping veggies)
• Small bowl of water (to wet hands when shaping meatballs, so they don’t stick)
• Ladle (to serve the soup perfectly)

Ingredient Science Spotlight

One of my favorite parts of cooking is understanding why ingredients behave the way they do. It helps avoid mistakes and makes the dish shine.

• Meatballs

  Combining ground meat with breadcrumbs and egg creates a tender, juicy texture. The breadcrumbs absorb moisture and expand during cooking, keeping meatballs soft. The egg acts as a binder so they hold together without being tough.

• Broth

  Using chicken broth as a base adds a rich, savory flavor. Homemade broth has natural gelatin that gives the soup a silky mouthfeel while store-bought works fine if you choose a quality one with no artificial additives.

• Pasta

  Small shapes like acini di pepe or orzo cook quickly and stay suspended in the broth. They soak up flavor but don’t weigh down the soup.

• Greens

  Spinach wilts fast and adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the richness of the meatballs and broth. Escarole is a heartier alternative with a pleasant bitterness.

Instructions To Make Gordon Ramsay’s Wedding Soup

Here’s the step-by-step process, almost like we’re cooking side by side in the kitchen.

1. Prepare The Meatballs

   • Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, herbs, salt and pepper in a bowl.
   • Wet your hands, then gently roll the mixture into tiny meatballs about the size of a marble.

2. Sauté The Base

   • Heat olive oil in your pot.
   • Add finely chopped onion, carrot and celery. Cook gently until soft and fragrant. about 5 minutes.

3. Add Broth And Cook Meatballs

   • Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
   • Carefully drop in meatballs one by one. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, letting the meatballs cook through.

4. Cook Pasta And Greens

   • Add the small pasta and cook until tender (about 6-8 minutes).
   • Stir in fresh spinach or escarole, cooking just until wilted.

5. Final Touches

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Optional: squeeze a bit of lemon juice or add zest to brighten flavors.
   • Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs on top.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

I’ve made my share of blunders with soup, so here’s what to watch out for and how to fix it.

• Meatballs Falling Apart

  Usually because the mixture is too wet or handled too roughly. Fix: Add more breadcrumbs and handle gently when rolling.

• Broth Tastes Bland

  Broth quality is key. Fix: Use homemade broth or add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of salt to boost flavor.

• Pasta Mushy

  Overcooking pasta makes it lose texture. Fix: Add pasta toward the end and check often for doneness.

• Greens Overcooked

  Wilt greens just before serving so they stay vibrant and fresh.

Smart Substitutions

I love when recipes are flexible! Here’s how you can swap ingredients without losing the soul of the soup.

• Meat

  Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meatball. For vegetarians, small lentil balls or mushrooms can work.

• Greens

  Kale, Swiss chard or even collard greens can replace spinach or escarole.

• Pasta

  Gluten-free orzo or small rice pasta are great if you’re avoiding gluten.

• Broth

  Vegetable broth can be a good alternative if you want a vegetarian version.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Gordon Ramsay’s Wedding Soup?

You need ground meat like beef or pork, chicken broth, small pasta like acini di pepe, spinach or kale, onions, garlic, and some Parmesan cheese.

How Long Does It Take To Make This Soup?

It usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish. That includes making the meatballs and simmering the soup.

Can I Make The Meatballs Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day before and keep them refrigerated. It makes the cooking day easier and the flavors even better.