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Creamy Meatball Soup with Vegetables

Creamy Meatball Soup with Vegetables
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Creamy Meatball Soup with Vegetables is a cozy, hearty, and flavorful dish combining tender meatballs, a colorful mix of vegetables, and a luscious creamy broth. Perfect for any season, this comforting soup is simple to prepare, nutritious, and customizable to suit dietary preferences, making it a family-friendly favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Broth

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (ensure gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cream and Greens

  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for dairy-free option)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Optional Seasonings and Garnishes

  • Crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce (for spicy twist)
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground meat, finely chopped onions, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender. Shape into small, bite-sized meatballs and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté diced carrots, celery, and onions until soft and fragrant. This creates a flavorful base for the soup.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Gently add the meatballs to the pot and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on the outside and cooked through. This step seals in the juices and builds layers of flavor in the soup.
  4. Simmer the Soup: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add fresh thyme and parsley. Let the soup cook for 20 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Add Cream and Greens: Stir in heavy cream or your choice of creamy substitute. Fold in fresh spinach or kale until wilted, giving the soup a vibrant color and texture.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Adjust salt, pepper, and any additional herbs to taste. Ladle the warm, creamy soup into bowls and serve immediately with your favorite bread or crackers.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs whenever possible to enhance flavor and aroma.
  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
  • Brown meatballs evenly to lock in juices and add rich flavor.
  • Simmer soup on low heat to allow flavors to deepen and meatballs to cook gently.
  • Add greens last to keep them vibrant and fresh.
  • Adjust cream quantity for desired soup thickness.
  • To make gluten-free, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure broth is gluten-free.
  • For dairy-free, replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
  • Freeze soup before adding cream and greens, stir them in after reheating for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball soup, creamy soup, vegetable soup, gluten free soup, comforting soup, hearty soup, family-friendly soup

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