Italian Meatball and Greens Soup

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €13.77 · €2.30/serving

• Coarse salt and ground pepperEst. price €0.02–€0.08
• 1 tablespoon olive oilEst. price €0.15–€0.40
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) low-sodium chicken brothEst. price €2.20–€3.80
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes in juiceEst. price €1.80–€3.20
• 2 garlic cloves, mincedEst. price €0.10–€0.25
• 1 large egg, lightly beatenEst. price €0.25–€0.50
• 1 medium onion, halved and thinly slicedEst. price €0.30–€0.70
• 1 pound ground dark-meat turkey (93% lean)Est. price €6.00–€9.50
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for servingEst. price €0.75–€1.50
• 1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbsEst. price €0.40–€0.90

Steps

1. 1

   Take a large mixing bowl and add in the ground turkey, minced garlic, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Proceed to shape the mixture into small balls using a tablespoon as a measure.

2. 2

   Begin by heating oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft, which should take around 3 to 4 minutes. Introduce the broth and tomatoes (including their juice) into the pot and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the meatballs into the simmering liquid without disturbing them. Let them cook undisturbed until they rise to the surface, which should take about 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Fill the pot with as much escarole as it can hold. Cook until the escarole wilts and the meatballs are fully cooked, approximately 5 minutes longer. If needed, dilute the soup with water and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Present the soup garnished with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Italian Meatball and Greens Soup is a traditional Italian dish that showcases the country's love for hearty and flavorful soups. The use of Parmesan cheese in Italian cuisine dates back centuries, adding a rich and savory taste to the dish. Meatballs are a staple in Italian cooking, often served in various ways…

• Seasonal note

  Italian Meatball and Greens Soup is perfect for the colder months when escarole is in season. Root vegetables like onion and garlic are also plentiful during this time, making it an ideal dish for winter.

• Health note

  This soup is a nutritious choice, providing a good amount of protein from the turkey and egg, along with fiber from the escarole. It is relatively high in sodium, so it's important to consider your overall salt intake. The dish also offers a good dose of vitamins A and C, contributing to a healthy immune system.