Wedding Day Soup

Let's dispel the myth — Italians do not 'traditionally' serve this soup on their wedding day. The term 'wedding soup' is an error in translation of the Italian name, 'minestra maritata', which actually means 'married soup', a reference to the fact that green vegetables and meat go well together...like a good marriage!

Recipe Ingredients:

4 cups chicken broth
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, roasted, deboned and chopped
4 carrots, peeled sliced
4 celery ribs, chopped
1 head large green, curly-leaf endive, shredded

Cooking Directions:

1. Bring 4 cups chicken broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine ground beef, parsley, salt and pepper. Roll into 1-inch balls, add to simmering broth, reduce heat and cook for about 12 minutes.
3. Add cooked, chopped chicken, sliced carrots, and chopped celery ribs. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, then add shredded endive; cook for 5 minutes or until wilted.

Makes 6 servings.