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Summer Minestrone with GF Turkey Mini-Meatballs

(for gluten free and dairy free, be sure to check all packages)


Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes


Ingredients:

2 TBSP olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 sweet onion, diced

4 carrots, peeled and diced

4 celery ribs, diced

½ tsp each, dried thyme and dried basil

8 cups low sodium chicken broth or chicken bone broth

¾ cup GF stelline pasta or other small GF pasta 

1 yellow squash and 1 zucchini,  halved and thinly sliced

1 12 ounce bag of frozen greens such as kale or spinach, or 1 bunch fresh kale or spinach, chopped with stems removed

16 oz can of pinto, garbanzo, or cannellini beans rinsed and drained

1 lemon, zested, and juiced

2 TBSP fresh parsley leaves

For the turkey meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey

⅓ cup GF  breadcrumbs

1 tsp each, dried basil, garlic powder, and onion powder

¼ tsp each, sea salt and black pepper

2 TBSP chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, GF breadcrumbs, dried herbs, spices, and fresh parsley. Combine all ingredients, then roll up 32 mini meatballs. 

  2. In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil at medium heat for one minute, then add the first batch of meatballs. Cook until all sides are browned, which will take about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Repeat this step until all of the meatballs are cooked. 

  3. To the same stock pot, add the carrots, onions, and celery with the tsp of salt and dried thyme and basil. Add the garlic and cook for a minute, stirring to prevent burning.  

  4. Add the broth, zucchini, squash, beans, and frozen kale if using. If using fresh greens, wait until the next step to add.

  5. Once the soup begins to boil, add the pasta. Cook according to package directions (usually about 10 minutes).

  6. Reduce to low and add the fresh greens if using. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. 

  7. To serve, ladle soup into bowls or let cool if you are going to freeze for future healthy meals. 


Suggestions and ideas:

  • This is a great make-ahead meal and can be kept in your freezer for up to 6 months.

  • Serve with a salad, and you’ve got a complete meal! GF French bread would be amazing with this as well.

 

Buon Appetito!