Name: Escarole Soup with Turkey Meatballs (Italian Wedding Soup) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: For Meatballs:; 20 oz ground turkey breast; ¼ cup seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs; ¼ cup parmesan cheese; ¼ cup parsley; 1 large egg; ¼ cup onion; 1 clove garlic; ¼ tsp salt; For Soup:; 8 cups chicken broth; 16 oz head escarole; pepper; ½ cup uncooked orzo

This delightful escarole soup with turkey meatballs is a hearty and healthy dish that combines the rich flavors of ground turkey with the nutritious benefits of escarole. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is sure to warm you up on chilly days while providing a balanced meal.

Photos of Escarole Soup with Turkey Meatballs (Italian Wedding Soup) Recipe

One ingredient that might not be commonly found in every household is escarole, a leafy green vegetable that adds a slightly bitter taste to the soup. When shopping at the supermarket, be sure to pick up a fresh head of escarole. Additionally, using seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs can add extra flavor, so opt for these over plain ones if available.

Ingredients For Escarole Soup With Turkey Meatballs

Ground turkey breast: Lean protein that forms the base of the meatballs

Seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs: Adds texture and flavor to the meatballs

Parmesan cheese: Provides a savory, umami taste

Parsley: Fresh herb that enhances the flavor

Egg: Binds the meatball mixture together

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the meatballs

Garlic: Infuses the meatballs with aromatic flavor

Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the meatballs

Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding rich flavor

Escarole: Leafy green that adds a slightly bitter taste and nutrients

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice to the soup

Orzo: Small pasta that adds substance and texture to the soup

One reader, Codee Maier says:

This escarole soup with turkey meatballs is a delightful, hearty meal. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, and the escarole adds a nice, fresh touch. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it's both healthy and satisfying. Highly recommend!

Codee Maier

Cooking Techniques for Escarole Soup with Turkey Meatballs

How to chop onion: Finely chop the onion into small pieces to ensure it blends well with the meatball mixture. How to mince garlic: Mince the garlic clove finely to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the meatballs. How to form meatballs: Use clean hands to gently shape the ground turkey mixture into small, uniform meatballs, about 1 tablespoon each. How to chop escarole: Wash the escarole thoroughly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the soup.

How To Make Escarole Soup with Turkey Meatballs (Italian Wedding Soup)

Escarole soup is an Italian dish that marries meat and vegetables perfectly. This turkey meatball version is cooked with some orzo.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Meatballs:

20ozground turkey breast,(1⅓ lbs)
¼cupseasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs
¼cupParmesan Cheese,grated
¼cupparsley,finely chopped
1large egg
¼cuponion,minced
1clovegarlic,minced
¼tspsalt

For Soup:

8cupschicken broth,fat-free, low sodium
16ozhead escarole,chopped
pepper,freshly cracked, to taste
½cupuncooked orzo,or pasta, optional

Instructions

Heat a large pot over med-high heat and add the chicken broth, bring it to a boil, covered.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, onion, garlic, salt and cheese. Using clean hands, gently mix all the ingredients well until everything is combined.
Form small meatballs, about 1 tablespoon each, to get about 40.
When the broth comes to a boil, drop the meatballs in, add the orzo and chopped escarole.
Add fresh pepper, adjust salt as needed and cook according to pasta directions. This will be about 10 minutes or until orzo and meatballs are cooked.

Nutrition

Calories: 278.36kcal
Fat: 10.05g
Saturated Fat: 3.18g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.92g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.98g
Carbohydrates: 19.73g
Fiber: 2.57g
Sugar: 4.48g
Protein: 26.08g
Cholesterol: 79.68mg
Sodium: 558.29mg
Calcium: 102.98mg
Potassium: 635.68mg
Iron: 2.14mg
Vitamin A: 32.22µg
Vitamin C: 5.05mg

Pro Tip for Making Escarole Soup with Turkey Meatballs

To ensure your meatballs hold their shape and don't fall apart in the soup, chill them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before adding them to the broth. This helps the meatballs firm up and maintain their structure during cooking.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Soup Recipe

Prepare ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, garlic, and parsley in advance. Measure out the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese to save time during assembly.

Batch meatballs: Form all the meatballs at once and place them on a tray. This makes it quicker to drop them into the broth when it’s boiling.

Use pre-washed escarole: Buy pre-washed and chopped escarole to skip the cleaning and chopping steps.

Simultaneous cooking: While the broth is heating, mix the meatball ingredients. This multitasking reduces overall prep time.

Substitute Ingredients For Escarole Soup with Turkey Meatballs (Italian Wedding Soup) Recipe

ground turkey breast - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative for meatballs.
seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a similar binding effect and can be seasoned to taste.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a suitable replacement.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor that can complement the meatballs well.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons water can act as a binding agent similar to an egg.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as onions.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile, though it is less pungent.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar depth of flavor while keeping the dish lighter.
escarole - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and slightly bitter flavor, making it a good alternative for escarole.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma.
orzo - Substitute with acini di pepe: Acini di pepe is a small pasta that can mimic the texture and size of orzo in soups.

Serving Suggestions for Escarole Soup

Use a deep, wide-rimmed bowl: Select a pristine white bowl to contrast beautifully with the vibrant colors of the escarole soup and turkey meatballs.
Arrange meatballs symmetrically: Place the turkey meatballs in a circular pattern around the bowl, ensuring they are evenly spaced for a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with fresh parsley: Finely chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it lightly over the soup to add a pop of green and a touch of elegance.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the soup to add a glossy finish and enhance the flavor.
Serve with a side of crusty bread: Accompany the escarole soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread on the side, presented on a separate small plate to complement the dish.
Add a lemon wedge: Place a small lemon wedge on the rim of the bowl to allow diners to add a fresh citrus note to their soup if desired.
Use microgreens for a modern touch: Add a small cluster of microgreens on top of the soup for a contemporary and sophisticated garnish.
Serve with a polished soup spoon: Ensure the soup is served with a polished, high-quality soup spoon placed elegantly beside the bowl.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Turkey Meatball Soup

Large pot: Used to heat the chicken broth and cook the soup, including the meatballs, orzo, and escarole.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, onion, garlic, salt, and cheese for the meatballs.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, and onion.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt.
Knife: Used to chop the onion and escarole.
Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the onion and escarole.
Garlic press: Used to mince the garlic clove.
Wooden spoon: Used to stir the soup as it cooks.
Ladle: Used to serve the soup once it is ready.
Mixing spoon: Used to mix the meatball ingredients together.
Tablespoon: Used to portion out the meatballs to ensure they are all the same size.
Pepper mill: Used to add fresh pepper to the soup.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Let the escarole soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags.
If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, place the container or bag in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the thawed or refrigerated soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving the reheated escarole soup with turkey meatballs.

How To Reheat Leftover Soup

To reheat leftover escarole soup with turkey meatballs, start by transferring the desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the soup from drying out during the reheating process. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is heated through and the meatballs are warm.
For a stovetop method, pour the leftover soup into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Heat until the soup is simmering and the meatballs are heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
If you find that the orzo has absorbed much of the broth during storage, you can add a little extra chicken broth or water to the soup while reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
To enhance the flavor of the reheated soup, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
If you have stored the meatballs separately from the soup, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop before adding them back to the reheated soup. This will help maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming overcooked.

Interesting Trivia About Escarole Soup with Turkey Meatballs

A random fact about this recipe is that escarole is a type of leafy green vegetable that belongs to the chicory family. It has a slightly bitter taste, which adds a unique flavor to the soup.

Budget-Friendly Escarole Soup with Turkey Meatballs

This escarole soup with turkey meatballs is quite cost-effective. The main ingredients, such as ground turkey, escarole, and chicken broth, are reasonably priced. The use of whole wheat breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese adds flavor without breaking the bank. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15-$20 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is This Soup Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This escarole soup with turkey meatballs recipe is a healthy and nutritious option. The use of ground turkey breast provides lean protein, while the escarole adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The inclusion of onion, garlic, and parsley contributes to the flavor profile and offers additional health benefits. The recipe also incorporates whole wheat breadcrumbs, which are a better choice than refined breadcrumbs. Overall, this soup is a well-balanced meal that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:

Increase the amount of escarole or add other leafy greens like spinach or kale to boost the fiber and nutrient content
Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium intake
Use a higher proportion of vegetables in the meatballs, such as finely chopped carrots or zucchini, to increase the vegetable intake and add moisture to the meatballs
Experiment with different whole grains instead of orzo, such as quinoa or farro, to increase the fiber and protein content
Add additional herbs and spices, like rosemary or thyme, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt

Editor's Opinion on This Escarole and Turkey Meatball Soup

This escarole soup with turkey meatballs is a delightful, hearty dish perfect for a cozy meal. The combination of lean turkey meatballs and nutrient-rich escarole creates a balanced and nutritious soup. The use of whole wheat breadcrumbs and parmesan adds depth and flavor, while the orzo provides a satisfying texture. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks. Adjusting the seasoning to taste ensures a personalized touch. Overall, it's a wholesome and comforting soup that can be enjoyed year-round.

Enhance Your Escarole Soup with Turkey Meatballs (Italian Wedding Soup) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Imagine the earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts caramelized to perfection, drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. The slight bitterness of the sprouts pairs beautifully with the savory escarole soup, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Picture warm, golden breadsticks infused with the rich aroma of garlic and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. These delightful sticks are perfect for dipping into the brothy soup, adding a crunchy contrast to the tender turkey meatballs and orzo.

Citrus Arugula Salad: Envision a vibrant salad bursting with the zesty notes of citrus fruits and the peppery bite of arugula. Tossed with a light vinaigrette, this refreshing side dish cuts through the richness of the meatballs and broth, offering a palate-cleansing experience.

Honey-Glazed Carrots: Think of tender carrots glazed with a sweet honey coating, roasted until they achieve a delightful caramelization. The natural sweetness of the carrots complements the savory elements of the escarole soup, adding a touch of sweetness to your meal.

Lemon Herb Quinoa: Visualize fluffy quinoa infused with the bright flavors of lemon zest and fresh herbs. This light and nutritious side dish provides a perfect textural contrast to the soup, enhancing the overall dining experience with its refreshing and aromatic profile.

Similar Soup Recipes to Try

Italian Wedding Soup: A delightful blend of meatballs, spinach, and acini di pepe pasta in a savory chicken broth. This classic soup is perfect for any occasion.

Turkey and Vegetable Soup: A hearty and healthy soup featuring ground turkey, a medley of vegetables, and a rich broth. Perfect for a cozy night in.

Chicken and Rice Soup: A comforting soup with tender chicken, rice, and a mix of carrots, celery, and onions. Ideal for a nourishing meal.

Lentil and Sausage Soup: A robust soup combining lentils, Italian sausage, and a variety of vegetables. A perfect blend of flavors for a satisfying dish.

Minestrone Soup: A classic Italian soup loaded with beans, pasta, and a colorful array of vegetables. A wholesome and filling meal.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Escarole Soup

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to kick off your meal. Imagine cremini mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The filling is creamy and rich, with a hint of parmesan for added depth. These bite-sized treats are then baked until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown. The result is a perfect balance of earthy mushroom flavor and creamy, cheesy goodness. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear in no time.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic appetizer that never fails to impress. Start with slices of crusty baguette, toasted to perfection. Top each slice with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The tomatoes should be ripe and juicy, providing a burst of freshness with every bite. A sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of balsamic vinegar elevate the flavors even further. This simple yet elegant dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Desserts:

Tiramisu: Indulge in the rich layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese. This Italian classic is elevated with a dusting of cocoa powder and a hint of coffee liqueur. Perfect for those who appreciate a balance of bitterness and sweetness.

Lemon Meringue Pie: Experience the zesty delight of tangy lemon curd topped with a fluffy meringue. The buttery crust adds a satisfying crunch, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Ideal for those who love a refreshing and light dessert.

Why trust this Escarole Soup with Turkey Meatballs (Italian Wedding Soup) Recipe:

This escarole soup with turkey meatballs recipe is a wholesome and nutritious choice, perfect for a comforting meal. The ground turkey provides a lean protein source, while the escarole adds a delightful bitterness that balances the flavors. The orzo offers a satisfying texture, making the soup hearty and filling. With simple ingredients like chicken broth, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, this recipe is both easy to follow and delicious. Trust this recipe for a healthy, flavorful dish that the whole family will love.

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FAQ:

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs are fully cooked when they float to the top of the soup and are no longer pink inside. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! You can substitute orzo with any small pasta like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw them in the fridge before adding them to the soup.

What can I use instead of escarole if I can’t find it?

If you can’t find escarole, you can substitute it with other leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. Just keep in mind that the cooking times might vary slightly.

How can I make this soup more flavorful?

To add more flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the meatball mixture. You can also add some Italian seasoning or a bay leaf to the broth while it’s cooking.