Tuscan Meatball Soup

Introduction

Tuscan Meatball Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that warms the soul. This hearty soup is packed full of flavorful meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato broth, making it perfect for cozy nights or family dinners. With its delightful combination of textures and tastes, this soup will surely become a staple in your recipe collection.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– 500g ground beef
– 100g breadcrumbs
– 50g grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 5g Italian seasoning
– 5g salt
– 2g black pepper
– 30ml olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 800ml beef broth
– 400g canned diced tomatoes
– 200ml tomato sauce
– 100ml heavy cream
– 5g red pepper flakes
– 150g spinach, chopped
– 200g small pasta (orzo or ditalini)
– 10g fresh basil, chopped
– 10g fresh parsley, chopped

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

With these simple steps, you can create a Toscan Meatball Soup that is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Enjoy this delightful dish with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal that your family will love!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a bowl, combine 500g of ground beef, 100g of breadcrumbs, 50g of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 5g of Italian seasoning, 5g of salt, and 2g of black pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat 30ml of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Brown the meatballs on all sides, cooking for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat until they are softened, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in 800ml of beef broth, 400g of canned diced tomatoes, and 200ml of tomato sauce. Stir in 5g of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Simmer with Meatballs

Add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for 15 minutes, which helps to develop the flavors and let the meatballs cook through.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Stir in 200g of small pasta, such as orzo or ditalini. Cook the pasta in the broth until it is tender, following the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.

Step 7: Add Cream and Spinach

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat and stir in 100ml of heavy cream and 150g of chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the cream to blend into the soup.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish the soup with 10g of chopped fresh basil and 10g of chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty Tuscan meatball soup.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.

Freezing Instructions

For longer storage, the soup can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Meatball Variations

Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Spice Level

Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. For a milder soup, reduce the amount or omit it.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth if the soup thickens during storage.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Tuscan meatball soup hot, garnished with fresh basil and parsley. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a light green salad. For added richness, consider including a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approx.):
Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g

Please note that nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Ingredient Substitutions

For ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a lighter option. Instead of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or rolled oats can be used as binders. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast or any grated hard cheese can work as a substitute.

In place of heavy cream, you can use whole milk, half-and-half, or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk for a lighter soup. For the pasta, other small pasta shapes such as small shells, elbow macaroni, or even quinoa can be used. If you’re looking to spice it up, fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can replace basil and parsley.

Cook techniques

Mixing Ingredients

Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, and seasonings in a bowl until evenly blended. This ensures flavor is distributed throughout the meatballs.

Forming Meatballs

Use your hands to roll the mixture into small, uniform meatballs. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to handle.

Browning Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a pot and brown the meatballs in batches over medium heat. This creates a flavorful crust and locks in moisture.

Sautéing Vegetables

In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. This builds a flavor base for your soup.

Simmering

Add broth, tomatoes, and seasonings to the pot, then bring to a simmer. This melds flavors and cooks the vegetables further.

Cooking Pasta

Once the meatballs are added back to the soup, stir in small pasta and cook until tender. Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness.

Incorporating Cream and Spinach

Add heavy cream and chopped spinach, then stir well. This enriches the soup and adds a fresh element.

Garnishing

Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil and parsley on top. This enhances presentation and adds a burst of flavor.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative, though it may yield a different flavor and texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

What type of pasta works best?

Small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini are recommended, but you can use any small pasta you prefer.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans for added nutrition.

How spicy is this soup?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount according to your spice preference.

Conclusion

This Tuscan Meatball Soup is a delightful blend of rich flavors and comforting ingredients, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or chilly evenings. The combination of savory meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tomato broth will surely warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. A perfect balance of nutrition and taste, this soup is not only easy to prepare but also promises a delightful dining experience.

Variations on Soup Recipes

For a twist on this classic, consider adding roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor or using ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.

Vegetarian Meatball Soup

Try replacing the meatballs with chickpea or lentil-based alternatives for a hearty vegetarian version that is equally satisfying.

Spicy Tuscan Soup

Add additional red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth to elevate the heat and kick up the flavors for spice lovers.

Italian Sausage Soup

Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, which will add a robust flavor profile, perfect for those who enjoy a more intense taste.

Seafood Variation

Incorporate shrimp or scallops into the soup for a seafood twist, providing a delightful contrast to the traditional meat-based broth.

Herbed Variations

Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary to enhance the aromatic qualities of the soup, giving it a fresh and unique taste.