Italian Comfort Soup Delight

Description

Experience the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine with the Italian Comfort Soup Delight. This hearty soup combines savory meatballs, nourishing vegetables, and greens in a delectable broth, making it a perfect dish for any meal. Whether you are looking to warm up on a chilly evening or provide a satisfying meal for your family, this soup offers a delicious solution.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup small pasta like orzo or acini di pepe
• 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or escarole/kale)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Step-by-step Directions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

2. Cook the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and cooked through. Alternatively, you can brown them in a skillet over medium heat.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

4. Build the Soup Base

Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the baked meatballs to the broth and let them simmer for 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.

5. Cook the Pasta

Stir in the small pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.

6. Add the Greens

Stir in the chopped spinach (or your choice of greens) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Servings & Preparation Time

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Prep time is about 20 minutes and cooking time is around 30 minutes, totaling approximately 50 minutes from start to finish.

Tips for Storage & Reheating

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until hot. You may need to add a little water or broth if the soup has thickened in the fridge.
• Freeze in portions if desired. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

The Italian Comfort Soup Delight is not just a dish but a wholesome experience that brings the comfort of Italian cuisine right to your table. With its easy steps and flavorful results, it promises to be a favorite that satisfies hunger and warms the heart. Enjoy this delightful soup any day of the week for a truly comforting meal.

Italian Comfort Soup Delight

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Experience the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine with the Italian Comfort Soup Delight. This hearty soup combines savory meatballs, nourishing vegetables, and greens in a delectable broth, making it a perfect dish for any meal. Whether you are looking to warm up on a chilly evening or provide a satisfying meal for your family, this soup offers a delicious solution.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup small pasta like orzo or acini di pepe
• 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or escarole/kale)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Roll the mixture into small meatballs and arrange them on a baking sheet.
2. Cook the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the oven or brown them in a skillet until cooked through.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
4. Build the Soup Base: Add chicken broth to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and add the meatballs to simmer.
5. Cook the Pasta: Stir in the pasta and cook until tender according to package instructions.
6. Add the Greens: Stir in the chopped spinach or greens and cook until wilted.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes