This hearty escarole soup with turkey meatballs is a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for any season. The tender meatballs, combined with the earthy flavor of escarole, create a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
Photos of Escarole Soup with Turkey Meatballs Recipe
For this recipe, you might not have escarole and white wine vinegar readily available in your pantry. Escarole is a leafy green vegetable that can be found in the produce section, often near the lettuce and other greens. White wine vinegar can usually be found in the vinegar or condiment aisle of your supermarket.
Ingredients for Escarole Soup with Turkey Meatballs
Ground turkey: Lean and healthy protein for the meatballs.
Eggs: Helps bind the meatball mixture.
Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the meatballs.
Onion: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor.
Dry bread crumbs: Ensures the meatballs hold their shape.
Parmesan: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the meatballs.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the flavor and adds freshness.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste.
Fresh ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.
Olive oil: For browning the meatballs.
Escarole: Leafy green that adds a slight bitterness and texture to the soup.
Low sodium chicken broth: Provides the base for the soup.
Water: Dilutes the broth to balance the flavors.
White wine vinegar: Adds acidity to brighten the soup.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat to the soup.
One reader, Irita Bryson says:
This escarole soup with turkey meatballs is a delightful, hearty meal. The meatballs are flavorful and tender, and the escarole adds a nice, slightly bitter contrast. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Cooking Techniques for Escarole Soup With Turkey Meatballs
How to mix ingredients: Combine ground turkey, eggs, garlic, onion, bread crumbs, parmesan, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until thoroughly mixed. How to shape meatballs: Form the mixture into twenty evenly-sized meatballs. How to brown meatballs: Heat oil in a frying pan over moderate heat, add meatballs, and cook until browned on all sides. How to drain meatballs: Remove browned meatballs from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. How to simmer soup: Combine meatballs, escarole, broth, water, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and salt in a pot, cover, and bring to a simmer over moderate heat, stirring occasionally.
How To Make Escarole Soup with Turkey Meatballs
This escarole soup is an updated version of Italian wedding soup that marries together the flavors of ground turkey, parsley, onion, and more.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbground turkey
- 2eggs
- 1clovegarlic
- 1smallonion
- ½cupdry bread crumbs
- ½cupparmesan,grated
- ½cupfresh parsley,chopped
- 1½tspsalt
- ¼tspfresh ground black pepper
- 3tbspolive oil
- ½headescarole,(about ½ pound)
- 1½qtlow sodium chicken broth,(canned, or homemade stock)
- 2cupwater
- 2tbspwhite wine vinegar,or red wine vinegar
- ¼tspred pepper flakes
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, mix together the turkey, eggs, garlic, onion, bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, salt and the black pepper until thoroughly combined.
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Shape the mixture into twenty meatballs.
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In a large frying pan, heat 1½ tablespoons of the oil over moderate heat.
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Add half the meatballs to the pan and cook, turning, until browned on all sides.
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Remove the meatballs from the pan and drain on paper towels.
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Repeat with the remaining oil and the rest of the meatballs.
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Put all of the meatballs, the escarole, broth, water, vinegar, red-pepper flakes and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt in a large pot.
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Cover and bring to a simmer over moderate heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition
- Calories: 485.77kcal
- Fat: 28.63g
- Saturated Fat: 8.24g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.71g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.83g
- Carbohydrates: 17.57g
- Fiber: 1.43g
- Sugar: 2.37g
- Protein: 41.19g
- Cholesterol: 170.86mg
- Sodium: 1441.28mg
- Calcium: 315.24mg
- Potassium: 739.41mg
- Iron: 3.79mg
- Vitamin A: 127.89µg
- Vitamin C: 11.70mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Escarole Soup With Turkey Meatballs
When shaping the meatballs, wet your hands slightly with water to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers. This will help you form evenly sized meatballs and ensure they cook uniformly.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Escarole Soup With Turkey Meatballs
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the garlic, onion, and parsley ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-washed escarole: Save time by purchasing pre-washed and pre-cut escarole.
Make meatballs ahead: Form and cook the turkey meatballs the day before and store them in the fridge.
Quick broth heating: Heat the chicken broth and water in a microwave-safe container while browning the meatballs.
One-pot method: After browning, transfer the meatballs directly to the pot with the broth and escarole to save on cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Escarole Soup with Turkey Meatballs Recipe
ground turkey - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for ground turkey in meatballs.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This mixture helps bind the meatballs together.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic. It provides a similar flavor profile.
small onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder taste and can be used in the same quantity as onions.
dry bread crumbs - Substitute with rolled oats: Rolled oats can be ground slightly and used as a binder in meatballs, offering a similar texture.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative to Parmesan.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro can provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor similar to parsley.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor.
fresh ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar spiciness but a slightly different flavor profile.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties to olive oil.
escarole - Substitute with spinach: Spinach has a similar texture and can be used in the same quantity as escarole.
low sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar base flavor and is a good alternative for those avoiding meat.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Using additional vegetable broth instead of water can enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
white wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can be used in the same quantity.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Use a smaller amount of cayenne pepper to achieve a similar level of heat.
Serving Suggestions for Escarole Soup With Turkey Meatballs
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the escarole soup in a shallow, wide-rimmed bowl to allow the vibrant colors of the escarole and meatballs to stand out. Use a ladle to ensure each portion has an equal amount of broth, escarole, and meatballs.
Use decoration: Garnish the soup with a sprig of fresh parsley and a light drizzle of olive oil to add a touch of elegance and freshness. Sprinkle a few red pepper flakes on top for a pop of color and a hint of heat.
Highlight textures: Ensure the meatballs are perfectly browned and slightly crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside. The escarole should be wilted but still have a slight bite to contrast with the soft meatballs.
Balance flavors: The broth should be well-seasoned with the white wine vinegar adding a subtle tanginess that complements the savory meatballs. Adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and black pepper if necessary before serving.
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure the ground turkey is fresh and lean, the parmesan is freshly grated, and the bread crumbs are homemade or high-quality to enhance the overall taste and texture of the meatballs.
Create a harmonious presentation: Arrange the meatballs in a circular pattern around the bowl, with the escarole nestled in between. Pour the broth gently over the top to avoid disturbing the arrangement, allowing the ingredients to shine through the clear broth.
Add a touch of luxury: Finish the dish with a light grating of parmesan over the top just before serving. This adds a final layer of flavor and a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Soup Recipe
Medium bowl: Used to mix together the turkey, eggs, garlic, onion, bread crumbs, parmesan, parsley, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.
Large frying pan: Used to heat the oil and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides.
Paper towels: Used to drain the excess oil from the cooked meatballs.
Large pot: Used to combine the meatballs, escarole, broth, water, vinegar, red-pepper flakes, and remaining salt, and bring to a simmer.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the bread crumbs, parmesan, parsley, broth, and water.
Knife: Used to chop the garlic, onion, and escarole.
Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the garlic, onion, and escarole.
Wooden spoon: Used to stir the ingredients in the large pot.
Tongs: Used to turn the meatballs while they are browning in the frying pan.
Ladle: Used to serve the soup once it is ready.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for This Soup Recipe
Let the escarole soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of harmful bacteria and help maintain the quality of the soup.
To store the soup in the refrigerator, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following tips:
- Freeze the meatballs and the soup separately. This will allow you to reheat only the desired portion and maintain the texture of the meatballs.
- To freeze the meatballs, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label the container with the date and contents.
- To freeze the soup, let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion. Label the container with the date and contents.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat the soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup appears too thick, you can add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out.
If you're reheating frozen meatballs, add them to the soup during the last few minutes of reheating to ensure they're heated through without overcooking.
Properly stored, the frozen escarole soup and turkey meatballs will maintain their best quality for up to 3 months. However, they will remain safe to consume beyond that time, although the texture and flavor may slightly diminish.
How To Reheat Leftover Escarole Soup With Turkey Meatballs
Reheat the escarole soup in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures even heating and allows the flavors to meld together again.
If you have stored the meatballs separately from the soup, add them to the pot once the soup is heated through and let them warm up for a few minutes before serving.
For a quicker option, you can reheat individual portions of the soup in the microwave. Place the desired amount of soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
If the soup has thickened up during storage, you can thin it out with a little chicken broth or water while reheating.
To add a fresh touch to your leftover soup, garnish it with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.
If you want to give your leftover soup a new twist, consider adding some cooked pasta or rice to the reheated soup for a more filling meal.
For a crispy texture contrast, you can serve the reheated soup with some toasted bread or croutons on top.
Interesting Trivia About Escarole Soup With Turkey Meatballs
A random fact about this escarole soup with turkey meatballs recipe is that escarole is a type of leafy green from the chicory family, known for its slightly bitter taste. This bitterness adds a unique flavor profile to the soup, balancing the savory meatballs and the richness of the broth.
Is Making Escarole Soup With Turkey Meatballs Cost-Effective?
This escarole soup with turkey meatballs recipe is quite cost-effective. Ground turkey is generally affordable, and the use of pantry staples like bread crumbs, parmesan, and garlic keeps costs low. Escarole and chicken broth are also reasonably priced. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Soup Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This escarole soup with turkey meatballs recipe has some healthy elements, but there's room for improvement. On the positive side, using ground turkey instead of ground beef reduces the saturated fat content. Escarole is a nutrient-dense leafy green, providing vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. The recipe also incorporates onion and garlic, which offer beneficial compounds like quercetin and allicin.
However, the recipe relies on breadcrumbs as a binder, which adds refined carbohydrates. The Parmesan cheese contributes additional saturated fat and sodium. While olive oil is a healthier fat choice, the meatballs are still fried, which can lead to the formation of harmful compounds.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the breadcrumbs with whole-grain options like quinoa or rolled oats for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or opt for a lower-fat alternative
- Bake the meatballs instead of frying them to reduce the formation of harmful compounds and cut down on added fat
- Use a low-sodium chicken broth to control the dish's salt content
- Increase the amount of escarole or add other nutrient-dense vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini to boost the soup's vitamin and mineral content
- Experiment with additional herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or red pepper flakes, to enhance flavor without relying on salt
Editor's Take on This Escarole and Turkey Meatball Soup
This escarole soup with turkey meatballs is a delightful, hearty dish perfect for a cozy meal. The combination of tender turkey meatballs, fresh escarole, and a flavorful broth creates a comforting and nutritious soup. The addition of parmesan and fresh parsley in the meatballs adds depth, while the red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick. The white wine vinegar introduces a pleasant tang, balancing the richness of the meatballs. Overall, this recipe is well-rounded and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome dinner.
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Why trust this Escarole Soup with Turkey Meatballs Recipe:
This escarole soup with turkey meatballs recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a comforting meal. The ground turkey adds a lean protein, while the escarole provides a nutritious green element. The parmesan and fresh parsley enhance the taste, making each bite savory and satisfying. With easy-to-follow instructions and wholesome ingredients, this recipe ensures a delicious and healthy dish that you can trust to impress your family and friends.
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