Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

Meatballs

1 pound ground turkey

1 large egg

1 tsp fine sea salt

1 tsp onion powder

¼ tsp freshly ground

black pepper

¼ tsp garlic powder

Soup

2 tbsp extra-virgin

olive oil

2 celery stalks diced

2 medium carrots thinly sliced

1 medium yellow onion diced

8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock

2 cups filtered water

6 medium Yukon gold potatoes peeled, chopped into ¼-inch-thick pieces and rinsed (see note #1)

1 tbsp fine sea salt plus more to taste

⅓ cup orzo optional (see note #2)

1 large egg lightly beaten (see note #3)

¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill or parsley leaves plus more for serving (optional)

2 small garlic cloves grated

freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine the turkey, egg, salt, onion powder, pepper and garlic powder; mix well.

Working with ½- to 1-tablespoon portions, wet your hands and roll each portion into a ball.

Transfer the rolled meatballs to a rimmed baking sheet.

If the meatballs start to stick to your hands, rinse them again, and continue with clean, wet hands.

Set the meatballs aside.

Step 2:

Heat the oil in a 5- to 7-quart Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat.

Add the celery, carrots and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and golden.

Add the broth, 2 cups water, the potatoes and salt.

Bring the soup to a boil over high heat and add the orzo (if using).

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, until the potatoes can be pierced easily with a fork.

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Step 3:

Carefully add the meatballs to the pot and continue to simmer for 5 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.

Stir in the egg, followed by the dill and garlic.

Simmer just until the egg is cooked, 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove the pot from the heat and season with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle with more dill (if using) and serve immediately.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Notes:

Rinse the potatoes after slicing them to keep them from discoloring and to remove excess starch.

You can make this recipe gluten-free by leaving out the orzo or substituting it with jasmine rice. Just note that rice takes longer to cook, so add it with the broth and boil for 5 minutes before adding the potatoes.

Stirring a beaten egg into soup is common in Ukrainian cooking. The ribbons of egg essentially poach in the broth and soak up all that flavour, while also adding heartiness and richness to your soup.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Ensuring the ground turkey is well mixed with egg and seasonings helps bind the meatballs.

Also, avoid overmixing, and wet your hands when forming the meatballs.

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground chicken or beef can be substituted for ground turkey based on personal preference.

What can I use instead of orzo?

You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small elbow macaroni.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without the pasta.

Add cooked pasta after reheating to maintain its texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I make the soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup without adding the pasta and meatballs.

Add these components when reheating.

Is it possible to make the soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground turkey with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth.

Can I omit the egg in the meatballs for dietary reasons?

Yes, the egg helps bind the meatballs, but you can try alternatives like breadcrumbs or a flaxseed egg.

What’s the purpose of adding grated garlic at the end?

Adding grated garlic towards the end enhances the soup’s flavor as the garlic retains its freshness and doesn’t overpower the dish.

How can I adjust the soup’s saltiness?

Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt according to your preference.

Start with a small amount and add more if needed.