Hearty Low-Carb Meatball Minestrone
This Hearty Low-Carb Meatball Minestrone is a delicious twist on traditional minestrone soup, perfect for those watching their carb intake. By swapping out pasta for nutrient-rich black soybeans, this recipe maintains a thick and hearty texture while providing a low-carb alternative. Infused with vibrant vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, this soup bursts with flavor and nutrition. The combination of savory Italian-style meatballs and aromatic herbs makes it a comforting and satisfying dish, ideal for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep. Enjoy this wholesome soup that not only nourishes your body but also pleases your palate!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen meatballs
32 (Use Italian-style, such as 'Rosina's'; defrost if preferred.)
Chopped tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing.)
Onion
1 large (Chopped.)
Zucchini
3 medium (Chopped.)
Eggplant
2 cups (Chopped raw.)
Celery
3 stalks (Chopped.)
Green bell pepper
1 (Chopped.)
Italian seasoning mix
1 tablespoon
Bay leaf
1
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon
Chicken broth
3 cups
Black soybeans
1 (15 ounce) can (Rinsed and drained.)
Instructions
1
Begin by chopping the onion, zucchini, eggplant, celery, and green bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
2
Defrost the frozen meatballs in the microwave according to package directions to remove excess fat. Alternatively, you can directly add the meatballs to the simmering soup without defrosting.
3
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, zucchini, green bell pepper, and eggplant. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, until they are softened and fragrant.
4
Stir in the Italian seasoning mix, garlic powder, and bay leaf, cooking for another minute until the spices are well-blended with the vegetables.
5
Pour in the chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, and rinsed black soybeans. Stir to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6
Carefully add the defrosted meatballs to the pot. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are heated through.
7
Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Low-Carb Meatball Minestrone?
It is a nutrient-dense, low-carb version of traditional minestrone soup that swaps pasta for black soybeans and includes Italian-style meatballs.
How is this soup made low-carb?
The recipe achieves a low-carb profile by replacing traditional high-carb pasta with black soybeans and using a variety of low-glycemic vegetables.
What serves as the pasta replacement in this recipe?
Rinsed and drained canned black soybeans are used as a hearty, low-carb alternative to pasta.
What kind of meatballs are recommended?
The recipe suggests using Italian-style frozen meatballs, such as the Rosina's brand.
Do I need to defrost the meatballs before adding them to the soup?
Defrosting in the microwave is recommended to remove excess fat, but you can also add them directly to the simmering soup.
Which vegetables are included in this minestrone?
The soup features zucchini, eggplant, onion, celery, and green bell pepper.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the chopped vegetables in olive oil for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
What type of broth is used for the base?
This recipe uses three cups of chicken broth as the liquid base for the soup.
What spices and herbs give the soup its flavor?
The flavor comes from a combination of Italian seasoning mix, garlic powder, and a bay leaf.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
Once all ingredients are combined, the soup should simmer for about 15 minutes.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, with its low carb count and high protein and healthy fat content, it is suitable for those following a keto-friendly diet.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in this soup?
This meatball minestrone provides 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
The recipe calls for a 28-ounce can of chopped tomatoes, but you can substitute fresh if you adjust the liquid accordingly.
What should I do with the black soybeans before cooking?
You should rinse and drain the canned black soybeans before adding them to the pot.
How many meatballs are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 32 frozen meatballs.
What is the recommended garnish?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is the recommended garnish for serving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a great option for meal prep as it is hearty and easy to reheat for quick weeknight dinners.
What size onion should be used?
One large onion, chopped into bite-sized pieces, is required.
How many zucchinis do I need?
The recipe requires 3 medium-sized zucchinis.
How much eggplant is used?
You will need 2 cups of raw, chopped eggplant.
What type of bell pepper is used?
The recipe specifies one green bell pepper.
Should the vegetables be finely minced?
The vegetables should be chopped into bite-sized pieces to maintain a chunky, hearty texture.
Is olive oil required?
Yes, two tablespoons of olive oil are used to sauté the base vegetables.
How many stalks of celery are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 stalks of celery.
Can I use different seasonings?
While Italian seasoning and garlic powder are specified, you can adjust the herbs to your personal preference.
Should I remove the bay leaf?
While not explicitly in the instructions, it is standard practice to remove the bay leaf before serving the soup.
Does the recipe require any added salt?
The recipe relies on the seasoning mix, broth, and meatballs for salt, but you can add more to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 13 total ingredients used to make this low-carb minestrone.