Italian Turkey Meatball Soup with Artichoke Hearts and Spinach

Italian Turkey Meatball Soup with Artichoke Hearts and Spinach

• Serves 4
• A light soup with very tasty meatballs, artichoke hearts and spinach. Gluten-free alternative.
• Prep Time1 hr Cook Time1 hr

For the Turkey Meatballs

• 1 1/2 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup almond meal (or bread crumbs)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic salt

For the Soup

• 1 1/2 cup diced onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 TB olive oil
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 oz fresh spinach, sliced very thin
• 1/3 cup shredded basil
• 6 artichoke hearts, quartered
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Parmesan Cheese to sprinkle on top (optional)

For the Meatballs

• Combine all ingredients (I find that mixing with my hands is the most effective, if not a little yucky)
• Heat 1/4 cup canola or olive oil in skillet over medium-low/medium heat
• Form 1" meatballs and put in hot oil
• Turn as each side browns.
• Drain on paper towels or cooling rack and set aside These meatballs can be made in advance

For the Soup

• Heat oil over medium heat
• Add onion and garlic and saute until translucent
• Add chicken stock and oregano
• Bring to a boil
  • Cover pot and reduce heat to simmer. Let simmer for 1/2 hour
  • Adjust salt and pepper to your liking
  • About 10 minutes before serving add spinach and let it wilt.
• For serving, divide artichoke hearts and meatballs among your bowls.
• Ladle broth over and finish with shredded basil.
• I really liked a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top as well.

Notes

• These meatballs are outstanding on their own. The cheese in them helps form a great crust. In order to keep that crunch, don't add them to your soup too early. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them separately and add them in at last minute, after heating. I added the artichokes at the end as well to keep them intact. They can be rather delicate and I was looking for larger pieces. If you don't mind them separating in the cooking, you can add them to your pot when you add the spinach.

Pics and printable recipe available at: Nourish and Nestle

bon appetit