Name: Cozy Italian Meatball Soup with Kale and Lemon: A Hearty Comforting Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: For the Meatballs:; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 3/4 lb ground beef (85/10); 3/4 lb ground sweet Italian sausage; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, minced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; For the Soup:; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 oz pancetta, diced; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 large carrots, diced; 3 ribs celery, diced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 8 cups chicken stock; 1 cup acini de pepe pasta; 5 oz baby kale; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; Finely grated parmesan cheese, for serving; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Description

Warm up with Cozy Italian Meatball Soup with Kale and Lemon—perfect for a comforting, hearty meal

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
3/4 lb ground beef (85/10)
3/4 lb ground sweet Italian sausage
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
For the Soup:
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 oz pancetta, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
8 cups chicken stock
1 cup acini de pepe pasta
5 oz baby kale
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Finely grated parmesan cheese, for serving
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, beaten egg, and parmesan cheese. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes to absorb.
Add the ground beef, sausage, tomato paste, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand until all ingredients are well combined.
Using a tablespoon, shape the mixture into small meatballs and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Broil the Meatballs:
4. Preheat your oven broiler and position a rack in the top third of the oven. Broil the meatballs for 6–8 minutes, or until browned. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Render the Pancetta:
5. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook, stirring often, for about 6–7 minutes until crispy. Transfer the pancetta to a small bowl with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Build the Soup:
6. To the same pot, add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the oregano and basil and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
7. Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the broiled meatballs and crispy pancetta. Cover the pot and simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Stir in the acini de pepe pasta and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Finish the Soup:
9. Add the baby kale, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pot. Stir gently and simmer just until the kale wilts. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve:
10. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread for a comforting and hearty meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 servings
Calories: 550 kcal per serving

Keywords: #SoupSeason #ComfortFood #ItalianMeatballSoup #CozyMeals #KaleAndLemon #HeartySoup #Foodie #HomeCooking #WarmUpWithSoup