There’s something truly magical about the transition from fall to winter—crisp air, warm sweaters, and the inviting aroma of hearty meals wafting from the kitchen. As the days grow colder, we crave dishes that provide comfort and nourishment. Enter our Spiced Turkey Meatball Soup, a dish that takes the beloved Italian Wedding Soup and infuses it with a touch of aromatic flair. This recipe is perfect for cozy nights, combining tender turkey meatballs, rich spices, and wholesome vegetables in a way that will make your taste buds dance.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Classic soups have a timeless charm, but adding a twist can elevate a meal from familiar to unforgettable. Our Spiced Turkey Meatball Soup is inspired by the deep, earthy flavors found in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. By incorporating cumin and chili powder, we add warmth and a hint of spice that pairs beautifully with the traditional Italian herbs. The result? A bowl that’s both hearty and refreshing, ideal for any night when you need a little extra comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To recreate this inviting soup at home, gather the following ingredients:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Soup Base:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta such as acini di pepe or orzo
- 4 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until evenly combined, then form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil.
- Carefully add the prepared meatballs to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Add the Pasta:
- Stir in the small pasta and cook according to the package instructions (typically 7-10 minutes) until al dente.
- Incorporate the Greens:
- Add the chopped spinach or kale and fresh parsley to the pot. Allow them to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Aromatic Spices: The cumin and chili powder add a subtle yet satisfying depth to the soup that makes it stand out.
- Hearty and Wholesome: With protein-packed turkey meatballs, fresh vegetables, and greens, this soup is as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Simple to Make: Despite its complex flavors, this recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair your Spiced Turkey Meatball Soup with warm crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete, cozy meal. Whether you’re serving your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a hit.
So, next time you’re looking for a way to spice up your dinner routine, give this soup a try. With its blend of classic comfort and bold new flavors, it just might become your new seasonal favorite. Bon appétit!
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Spiced Turkey Meatball Soup
Description
Warm up your evenings with our Spiced Turkey Meatball Soup. This recipe introduces aromatic spices for a delicious twist on the classic Italian Wedding Soup. Perfect for cozy nights, each bowl is packed with tender turkey meatballs, hearty vegetables, and vibrant greens.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup small pasta such as acini di pepe or orzo
– 4 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Additional grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
3. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Saut for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Add the Broth and Meatballs:
5. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
6. Carefully add meatballs to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
Cook the Pasta:
7. Add the small pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-10 minutes.
Finish the Soup:
8. Stir in chopped spinach or kale and fresh parsley. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
9. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve:
10. Ladle soup into bowls and top with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8