Kittencal's Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup

25m
Prep Time
2h
Cook Time
2h 25m
Ready In


"To save some time prepare the meatballs up to a day ahead and the meatball mixture may be doubled, if you don’t use all the meatballs then freeze for another time and just drop them into the soup frozen, 1/4 to 1/3 cup dry red wine may be added to the soup… This is a thick hearty soup and a meal in itself so all that is really needed is a crusty loaf of bread on the side"

Original is 8 servings
  • MEATBALLS

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (539.5 g)
  • Calories 417.7
  • Total Fat - 8.2 g
  • Saturated Fat - 3 g
  • Cholesterol - 55.4 mg
  • Sodium - 1661.5 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 59.8 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 21.7 g
  • Sugars - 12.2 g
  • Protein - 30 g
  • Calcium - 268.5 mg
  • Iron - 9.3 mg
  • Vitamin C - 33.5 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.6 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

For the meatballs; in a bowl combine all ingredients until blended.

Step 2

Shape into 3/4-inch balls; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to add to the soup.

Step 3

In a large pot heat olive oil over medium-high heat (use enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pot.

Step 4

Add in onions, dried oregano and crushed chili flakes; saute for about 4 minutes.

Step 5

Add in garlic, celery, carrots and tomato paste; saute stirring for 2-3 minutes stirring with a wooden spoon.

Step 6

Add in chicken broth, tomato sauce, kidney beans, green beans, spinach leaves and zucchini; return to a boil.

Step 7

Add in uncooked meatballs; bring to a simmer (do not stir for at least 20 minutes).

Step 8

Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 1-1/2 to 2 hours (after about 30 minutes of cooking season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste).

Step 9

Add in cooked pasta and 1/3 to 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; stir to heat through (can add in more cheese if desired)

Step 10

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 11

Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese.

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • If you are using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup.
  • When selecting the ground beef for the meatballs, try to get the leanest option available.

  • Instead of ground beef in the meatballs, use ground turkey for a healthier option. The benefit of this substitution is that it will reduce the amount of fat and cholesterol in the dish, making it a healthier choice.
  • Instead of chicken broth, use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. The benefit of this substitution is that it will make the dish suitable for vegetarians, while still providing a flavorful base for the soup.

Vegetarian Variation Omit the meatballs and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Add in 1 can of garbanzo beans, 1 can of black beans, and 1 can of corn. Increase the amount of zucchini and carrots to desired amount.


Vegan Variation Omit the meatballs and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Add in 1 can of garbanzo beans, 1 can of black beans, and 1 can of corn. Increase the amount of zucchini and carrots to desired amount. Use vegan butter and vegan parmesan cheese.


RECOMMENDED DISH: Garlic Bread - This classic side dish goes perfectly with Kittencal's Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup. The buttery, garlicky flavor of the bread complements the hearty flavors of the soup and helps to balance out the meal.


RECOMMENDED DISH: Caesar Salad - This crisp and refreshing salad is the perfect accompaniment to Kittencal's Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup. The crunchy lettuce, creamy dressing, and Parmesan cheese provide a delightful contrast to the heartiness of the soup, making it a great way to round out the meal.




FAQ

Q: How can I adjust the heat level of the soup?

A: You can adjust the heat level of the soup by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes to the recipe. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.



Q: How much broth should I use for the soup?

A: The amount of broth you use for the soup will depend on the type of broth you are using and the size of the pot you are using to make the soup. Generally, you should use enough broth to cover the ingredients in the pot.

1 Reviews

Christina

I added cabbage and used fresh green beans cut in half and then followed the recipe. The soup was so full of flavor and extremely delicious and the meatballs were so yummy too. My husband and I totally loved every last drop in our bowls!

5.0

review by:
(17 Jan 2014)

You'll Also Love

Fun facts:

Fun Fact 1:This recipe is similar to a classic Italian dish called "Polpette in Minestrone", which was a favorite of Italian actress Sophia Loren.

Fun Fact 2:The original version of this dish was created in the 1970s by a Canadian woman named Kittencal, who is now known as one of the most popular recipe creators on the internet.