Italian Meatball Soup

Italian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, comforting textures, and the ability to bring people together around the dinner table. Among the myriad of Italian dishes, one that stands out as a family favorite is the Hearty Italian Meatball Soup. This dish not only embodies the essence of Italian cooking but also serves as the perfect family meal, providing both nourishment and comfort on chilly evenings.

Discover the warmth of Hearty Italian Meatball Soup, a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. This recipe combines savory meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs in a flavorful broth. Easy to prepare, this soup is not only filling and nutritious but also ideal for family gatherings. Dive into a bowl of this delightful Italian classic and enjoy the heartwarming taste of home-cooked goodness.

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1/2 lb (225g) ground pork

1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs

1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup (60ml) milk

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Olive oil, for frying

For the Soup:

1 medium onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

6 cups (1.4L) chicken or vegetable broth

1 tsp dried thyme

2 cups (300g) fresh spinach or kale

1/2 cup (75g) small pasta (like orzo or ditalini)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Make the Meatballs:

- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Brown the Meatballs:

- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown them on all sides, then transfer to a plate and set aside.

Prepare the Soup Base:

- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Simmer the Soup:

- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the broth. Add the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and carefully add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Add Greens and Pasta:

- Stir in the small pasta of your choice and let it cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes.

- Just a couple of minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach or kale until wilted.

Serve:

- Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this comforting soup warm!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 45 minutes | 6 servings