Description
Hearty spinach and white bean meatball soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending Mediterranean flavors with rustic charm. Nourishing ingredients dance together, creating a soul-warming meal perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground turkey, chicken, or beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15-oz) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 cups spinach, fresh, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ lemon, juiced
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
- Parsley, fresh, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Meatball Crafting: Thoroughly blend ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed, taking care not to overmix.
- Meatball Browning: Gently shape mixture into uniform spheres and sear in heated olive oil, rotating to achieve a golden-brown exterior, creating a flavorful crust that seals in moisture.
- Vegetable Foundation: In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence, building a robust flavor base for the soup.
- Liquid Infusion: Pour chicken broth into the pot, incorporating white beans and seasonings, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer that allows flavors to meld harmoniously.
- Meatball Integration: Carefully return browned meatballs to the simmering liquid, allowing them to cook thoroughly and absorb the surrounding flavors for maximum taste complexity.
- Verdant Finish: Delicately fold spinach into the soup, letting it wilt gracefully while adding a burst of vibrant color and nutritional value, then brighten with a splash of fresh lemon juice.
- Presentation: Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley, creating a visually appealing and aromatic dish perfect for enjoying with crusty bread or a crisp side salad.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing ground turkey to prevent tough meatballs; gently combine ingredients until just incorporated.
- Ensure meatballs are evenly browned for maximum flavor development and appealing golden exterior.
- Add spinach at the last moment to maintain vibrant green color and prevent wilting or overcooking.
- Easily substitute ground turkey with chicken, lean beef, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg