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Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup

Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup

Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup is a nutritious, hearty, and comforting dish featuring tender lean turkey meatballs simmered in a rich broth with a variety of fresh vegetables. This easy-to-make soup offers a perfect balance of protein and wholesome veggies, ideal for any season and customizable with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Soup Base and Vegetables

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. Set aside while prepping vegetables.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Cook until fragrant and slightly softened, about 5 minutes, to develop deep flavors for the broth.
  3. Browns the Meatballs: Add the meatballs to the pot and brown on all sides for 3-4 minutes without cooking through completely. Browning adds caramelized flavor that enhances the soup.
  4. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring meatballs and vegetables are covered. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and vegetables tender.
  5. Incorporate Greens and Final Touches: Add chopped zucchini and spinach or kale about 5 minutes before the soup finishes cooking. Stir in fresh thyme, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and allow the greens to wilt perfectly before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh parsley and thyme for the best flavor impact.
  • Handle turkey mixture gently to keep meatballs tender and not dense.
  • Brown meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of browning.
  • Add greens near the end to preserve their vibrant color and nutrients.
  • Taste the broth before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed to perfect the soup.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey meatball soup, vegetable soup, healthy soup, gluten free soup, easy dinner, comforting soup