Italian wedding soup with a twist: ground turkey for a healthier delight
What To Know
- Ground turkey is a leaner meat than ground beef, so it will make the soup a bit healthier.
- It also has a milder flavor, so it won’t overpower the other ingredients in the soup.
- Ground turkey is a leaner and healthier alternative to ground beef, and it makes a delicious and satisfying soup.
Italian wedding soup is a classic Italian-American dish that is typically made with meatballs, vegetables, and pasta. The meatballs are usually made with ground beef, but can you make Italian wedding soup with ground turkey instead?
The Answer
Yes, you can make Italian wedding soup with ground turkey. Ground turkey is a leaner meat than ground beef, so it will make the soup a bit healthier. It also has a milder flavor, so it won’t overpower the other ingredients in the soup.
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup with Ground Turkey
To make Italian wedding soup with ground turkey, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta shells
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened.
5. Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package directions.
6. Add the meatballs to the soup and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Stir in the parsley and serve.
Tips
- To make the soup even healthier, use whole-wheat pasta shells.
- You can also add other vegetables to the soup, such as zucchini, spinach, or kale.
- If you don’t have time to make your own meatballs, you can use frozen meatballs.
- To make the soup ahead of time, simply cook the meatballs and vegetables according to the instructions. Then, store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup over medium heat.
Variations
There are many different ways to make Italian wedding soup. Here are a few variations:
- Use ground beef instead of ground turkey.
- Add spinach or kale to the soup.
- Use different types of pasta, such as orzo or ditalini.
- Add a splash of white wine to the soup.
- Top the soup with grated Parmesan cheese.
Benefits of Italian Wedding Soup
Italian wedding soup is a delicious and healthy meal. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. It is also low in fat and calories.
Final Note
So, can you make Italian wedding soup with ground turkey? The answer is yes! Ground turkey is a leaner and healthier alternative to ground beef, and it makes a delicious and satisfying soup.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I use other types of ground meat in Italian wedding soup?
A: Yes, you can use ground beef, ground pork, or ground veal in Italian wedding soup.
Q: What is the best type of pasta to use in Italian wedding soup?
A: The best type of pasta to use in Italian wedding soup is small pasta shells, such as ditalini or orzo.
Q: Can I make Italian wedding soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make Italian wedding soup ahead of time. Simply cook the meatballs and vegetables according to the instructions. Then, store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup over medium heat.
