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Switch up your standard tomato soup with this velvety creation packed with orzo and small turkey meatballs. The coconut milk gives it a smooth texture, plus we add some pesto for a punch of flavor. It's just what you need when you're craving something substantial that still seems healthy.
Benefits of This Soup
This soup packs everything you want - turkey meatballs for protein, veggies including carrots and spinach, plus pasta that'll keep you satisfied. Customize it however you prefer. Try different pastas or skip the meat entirely. It tastes like something from a nice restaurant but you can whip it up in your kitchen.
Ingredients List
- For Meatballs:
- Ground Turkey: 1 pound lean meat
- Breadcrumbs: 1/3 cup
- Italian Seasoning: 1 spoon
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 spoon
- Red Pepper: 1 spoon flakes
- Pesto: 2 spoons (optional)
- Salt and Pepper For Soup:
- Olive Oil: 2 spoons total
- Garlic: 3 cloves, chopped
- Onion: 1 whole, diced
- Carrot: 1 large one, cut into rounds
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 large can (28 oz)
- Coconut Milk: 1 can light variety
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- Italian Seasoning: 1 spoon
- Orzo: 1 cup uncooked
- Spinach: 2-3 cups fresh
- Additional Salt and Pepper
- Parmesan: For garnish
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Cooking Instructions
- Make meatballs first:
- Combine turkey, breadcrumbs, seasonings, pesto in a bowl. Shape tiny meatballs about the size of large marbles. You'll get roughly 40.
- Cook meatballs:
- Warm 1 spoon oil in a large skillet. Brown meatballs in batches until golden all around - takes about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Start soup:
- In a large pot, warm remaining oil. Sauté garlic, onion, carrots until tender - about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent garlic from burning.
- Make it creamy:
- Add tomatoes, coconut milk, broth. Sprinkle in seasoning. Mix well. Bring to a gentle bubble.
- Add pasta:
- Drop in orzo and cooked meatballs. Reduce heat to low. Simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Finish up:
- Add spinach. Stir until wilted. Taste soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot:
- Ladle into bowls. Drizzle extra pesto on top if desired. Sprinkle with cheese. Some people enjoy adding red pepper flakes too.
Understanding The Orzo
Orzo might look like rice but it's actually tiny pasta. It softens in around 15 minutes. No need to pre-cook it before adding to the soup. Remember to stir the pot bottom regularly or it'll stick. If your soup thickens too much, just pour in extra broth. Want to skip pasta? Try rice or small noodles instead.
Customization Options
Can't find turkey? Chicken or beef works great for meatballs too. Not into meat? Toss in some white beans as a substitute. Don't have coconut milk? Regular milk does the job. Feel free to toss in extra veggies like peas or corn. Some folks prefer it hotter with extra red pepper. Just adjust it to what your family enjoys.
Kid-Friendly Meal
Little ones typically love the small meatballs. Let them join in rolling them for a fun cooking activity. The veggies cook until soft so even fussy eaters won't mind them. Try making a double batch of meatballs and freeze half for another meal. Many parents sneak in extra carrots and the kids never notice.
Quick Cooking Tricks
Grab pre-chopped veggies when you're short on time. Need an even quicker version? Skip rolling meatballs and just brown the ground turkey in the pot. Made too much? It freezes well but leave the spinach out and add it fresh when warming up later. Stays good for 5 days in the fridge. It'll get thicker overnight so add a bit of broth when reheating.
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Slow Cooker Version
Start by browning your meatballs. Toss everything except pasta and spinach into your slow cooker. Set it for low 6 hours or high 3 hours. Add the orzo during the final hour. Stir in spinach just before serving. Your house will smell amazing all day. It's perfect for those busy weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap turkey for beef?
Absolutely! Beef gives a richer flavor, but drain any extra grease. Use lean beef (90/10) for a lighter feel. Adding garlic and parsley helps mimic turkey's mild taste. Stick to small meatballs for quick cooking. Mixing beef and turkey works too! These cook faster than all-turkey balls, so keep an eye on them. For extra moist meatballs, mix in a splash of milk before rolling.
- → What about making it meat-free?
Simple tweaks: Ditch the meatballs or use plant-based crumbles instead. Swap in vegetable broth. Need protein? Toss in chickpeas or white beans. Sliced mushrooms add a meaty vibe too. You could also include zucchini or bell peppers for added texture. Thanks to the orzo and coconut milk, it's still creamy and filling. For a cheesy richness, sprinkle some nutritional yeast.
- → How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo—DeLallo's a good pick. For the meatballs, swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones or crushed rice crackers. Watch your broth—it might sneak in wheat. If GF orzo's hard to find, try tiny GF pasta shapes, quinoa, or rice. The soup base itself doesn't contain gluten. Just be gentle with the meatballs since GF binders can be more delicate. Consider cooking GF pasta separately and adding it when serving.
- → No coconut milk—what can I do?
No problem! You can use heavy cream for a super-rich result, or half & half if you prefer lighter. Regular milk works too, just use a little more to boost creaminess. Dairy-free? Blend soaked cashews into cashew cream, or grab plain almond milk. Cream cheese also fits—just melt it in slowly. If using dairy, add it at the end and don't let it boil to prevent curdling. Each swap brings its own twist to the flavor, but they'll all keep it creamy.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but take care! Orzo absorbs liquid while frozen, so either: 1) Leave it out and cook fresh when reheating, or 2) Add more broth before freezing. Keeps up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring slowly so the meatballs stay together. Expect to add some liquid while warming up. Coconut milk might separate but comes back smooth after stirring.
Conclusion
Enjoyed this? Give turkey chili a whirl next time. Same basic ingredients—different spices. Both warm you up just right!