Description
This Hearty Meatball and Green Soup combines savory meatballs, fresh greens, and vibrant vegetables in a deliciously satisfying dish. Perfect for cozy meals, this soup is loaded with tender Parmesan-infused meatballs and hearty greens like dandelion and spicy baby greens, making it a nourishing and flavorful option for any occasion. Ready in under an hour, this soup can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you're looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup Progresso Plain Panko Crispy Breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp minced fresh oregano
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp lard or heat-tolerant cooking oil for searing meatballs
For the Soup
- 1/4 cup vegetable fat
- 1 onion, trimmed and minced
- 1 carrot, scrubbed and minced
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed, peeled, and minced
- 1/2 bunch dandelion greens (2 1/2 oz), rinsed and chopped
- 2 big handfuls spicy baby greens (2 1/2 oz), rinsed
- 1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp minced fresh oregano
- 4 cups Progresso Vegetable Cooking Stock
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- Half a lemon
- Shaved Parmesan for serving
Instructions
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Prepare the Meatballs: Combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, and sea salt in a large bowl. Add ground meat and mix until well combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
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Sear the Meatballs: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, turning to cook all sides. Set aside.
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Make the Soup Base: Heat vegetable fat in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and carrot with 1/2 tsp salt until softened (5-7 minutes). Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
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Simmer the Soup: Add vegetable stock to the pot and bring to a simmer. Add greens, parsley, oregano, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until greens wilted.
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Add the Meatballs: Carefully add meatballs to the soup. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing meatballs to cook through.
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Finish the Soup: Squeeze half a lemon into the soup for brightness. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with shaved Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Meat Alternatives: You can substitute turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for the meatballs.
- Greens Alternatives: If dandelion greens are unavailable, use kale, spinach, or Swiss chard.
- Broth Variations: Chicken stock or bone broth can be used instead of vegetable stock.
- Add More Veggies: Consider adding celery, zucchini, or potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
