Italian Meatball Soup

Italian Meatball Soup Recipe: Authentic and Delicious

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with flavorful meatballs, vegetables, and pasta, making it a complete and satisfying meal in a bowl.

History

Italian Meatball Soup has its roots in traditional Italian cuisine, where meatballs are a staple dish. This soup takes the classic meatball recipe and transforms it into a delicious and nourishing soup that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) ground turkey meat
2 egg whites
0.25 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
3 tbsp italian seasoning, divided
olive oil cooking spray
4 can (15 oz (425 g) each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 cup water
2 cup green beans, diagonally cut into 0.5 inch pieces
4 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
8 oz (227 g) thin spaghetti, uncooked, broken into 2- to 3 inches pieces
2 medium plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped
salt and pepper, to taste

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey meat, egg whites, bread crumbs, 2 cloves of garlic, and 2 tbsp of Italian seasoning. Mix until well blended.
Shape the mixture into 32 meatballs.
Spray a large saucepan with cooking spray.
Heat the saucepan over medium heat until hot.
Cook the meatballs until they are browned on all sides (approximately 5 to 7 minutes).
Add chicken broth, water, green beans, carrots, onions, the remaining 2 cloves of garlic, and the remaining 1 tbsp of Italian seasoning to the saucepan.
Heat the mixture until it reaches boiling point.
Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are almost tender (about 8 minutes).
Heat the soup until it reaches boiling point.
Add the pasta and tomatoes to the soup.
Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the pasta is cooked al dente (about 10 minutes).
Season the dish to taste with salt and pepper.

Variations

Use ground beef or pork instead of turkey for a different flavor profile.
Add Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture for extra richness.
Swap out the pasta for rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the meatballs before adding them to the soup to enhance their flavor.

- Use lean ground meat to keep the soup light and healthy.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in the soup based on your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Italian Meatball Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meatballs before adding them to the soup helps to develop their flavor.

- Simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious end result.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any ground meat of your choice in place of turkey.

- Substitute gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will save time when making the soup.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Italian Meatball Soup with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, for a perfect match.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium from the vegetables and meatballs.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat from the bread crumbs. It may also contain dairy if Parmesan cheese is added to the meatballs.

Summary

Italian Meatball Soup is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Italian Meatball Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavorful meatballs, vegetables, and pasta, this soup is a complete and satisfying meal in a bowl. Enjoy this hearty soup with your family and friends for a warm and nourishing meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day and I was rummaging through an old box of my mother's recipes that had been tucked away in the attic for years. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and tattered newspaper clippings, my eyes landed on a handwritten note that simply read "Italian Meatball Soup."

I had never heard of this dish before, but something about it intrigued me. The recipe was written in my mother's elegant script, with detailed instructions and a list of ingredients that made my mouth water. I could almost imagine the flavors and aromas that would fill my kitchen as I cooked this soup.

As I read through the recipe, memories of my mother flooded back to me. She was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new dishes and flavors. I remembered the way she would hum as she stirred a pot on the stove, her hands moving with precision and grace. It was in those moments that I learned the true joy of cooking, the pleasure of creating something delicious and comforting for the ones you love.

I decided then and there that I had to make this Italian Meatball Soup. I gathered the ingredients listed on the recipe card and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped vegetables, mixed spices, and rolled meat into tiny balls, I could feel my mother's presence with me, guiding my hands and whispering words of encouragement.

The soup simmered on the stove, filling the house with a tantalizing aroma that drew my family into the kitchen. My husband and children peeked over my shoulder, their mouths watering as they watched me ladle the soup into bowls and top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

As we sat down to eat, the first spoonful of soup transported me back to my childhood, to simpler times when my mother ruled the kitchen with her culinary prowess. The flavors were rich and comforting, the meatballs tender and flavorful, the broth hearty and satisfying. My family oohed and aahed with each bite, showering me with compliments and praise for my newfound culinary creation.

From that day on, Italian Meatball Soup became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions and ordinary weeknight dinners, always with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. It was a dish that brought us together, that nourished not only our bodies but our souls as well.

I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of this delicious soup to a new generation. I taught my daughters how to make it, just as my mother had taught me. And as I stirred the pot on the stove, watching my family gather around the table to enjoy a steaming bowl of Italian Meatball Soup, I knew that this recipe would live on long after I was gone, a reminder of the love and joy that can be found in a simple bowl of soup.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a comforting and satisfying meal, why not give Italian Meatball Soup a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass on this recipe to your own loved ones, creating new memories and traditions that will last a lifetime. Bon appétit!