Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Ally's Turkey Meatball and Spinach Soup w/ Orzo

I belong to a cooking group called Brunch Bunch Kitchen, and this delicious recipe is something my friend Ally came up with by combining several that she liked. I made this tonight and I have to tell you, it is wonderful!! Usually, a recipe for me is just a suggestion, and I change it to suit my taste. I made this pretty much as it was written out to me, except for one thing, I didn't have any parmesan, a rarity, so I used a sharp cheddar instead. This soup was one of those comforting, feel good kind of things that just makes you think of your Mom cooking something wonderful in the kitchen when you come through the door on a chilly day. It truly is Mmmmmmm GOOD!!!
Ally's Turkey Meatball, Tomato and Spinach Soup with Orzo
1 lb ground lean turkey
2 cloves of minced garlic ( I used about 6)
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Course salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
1 T olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 1/2 cans College Inn Chicken Broth w/ Roasted Vegetables and Herbs ( I used one carton )
1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes in juice
1/2 cup orzo
2-3 bags baby spinach leaves, coursely chopped ( I didn't chop, just tossed it in )
Combine turkey, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, and seasonings. Using a Tablespoon as guide, roll mixture into meatballs. In large pot, heat olive oil and saute onion until soft. Add broth, tomatoes with juice, and orzo, bring to simmer. Add meatballs, dropping into pot without stirring, until meatballs float to surface. About 5-7 minutes. Add as much spinach as pot will fit. Cook, gradually adding remaining spinach, until wilted and meatballs are cooked through, about another 6-8 minutes.
Serve soup with a sprinkle of fresh grated parmesan on top.
Note: Ally likes to cut meatballs up into quarters when serving so she gets a bite of meatball with every spoonful. I have not converted this to points value for Weight Watchers yet, but I can tell you it is very low in points.


This made three times as many meatballs, most were already in the hot tub.


They start to rise to the top after a few minutes.
The baby spinach leaves going in.

The spinach begins to wilt very quickly and look like this.
And this is the end result. This soup will be a staple in my house for comfort foods. Bon Appetit!

7 comments:

Genn said...

Yum, that looks good. I am too tired to make it though, can you please bring me some? hee hee

Red Geranium Cottage said...

That looks so good Kris. I'm going to make that too.

Lauri said...

Your cooking group sounds like fun...I'd enjoy a group like that. And the soup looks yummy.

I love the curtains you made. The fabric is just right for the room.

Kris said...

Genny, do you really want me to bring you some? I will save you some for later. It is soooo good!
Sharon, try it, you won't be sorry.
Lauri, Thanks, the cooking group began about 15 years ago, online. Ladies from all over the United States. Over the years, many of us have met, and we have all become very close, and it isn't all about the cooking anymore, but we share food ideas, recipes, and all things cooking. It is interesting too because we all live in different regions, and the foods are different. Very fun.

Maryrose said...

Kris - that soup looks delicious. I think I just found my dinner plans for tonight. Thanks.

deb said...

Hey, that looks yummy and if I leave the orzo out I can have it on atkins!!!!!! Hubby loves ANYTHING that has to do with a meatball!!!!

Kristi said...

That looks yummy!! My Mom keeps saying she's going to make it but so far, two nights in a row, I have not seen any. Could you make another pot and bring me some? I'm sure Genn would like some too, and I'm right around the corner. It wouldn't be out of your way...