Savory Escarole & Meatball Delight
Discover the comforting flavors of our Savory Escarole & Meatball Delight. This hearty low-carb and high-protein soup is perfect for those seeking a nutritious meal without compromising on taste. The combination of tender meatballs, sautéed escarole, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that warms your heart and nourishes your body. Each bowl is packed with protein from ground sirloin or veal, complemented by the rich flavors of Parmesan cheese. Ideal for lunch or dinner, this soup is easy to prepare and even easier to share with loved ones. Enjoy this wholesome dish that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground sirloin or ground veal
1/2 lb (fresh)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (coarsely grated)
garlic-flavored croutons
1/4 cup (crumbled)
Italian parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
white pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
large egg
1 (lightly beaten)
onion
1/2 cup (minced)
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
shredded escarole
4 cups (rinsed & spun dry)
chicken broth
4 cups (low sodium)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated (to garnish))
cayenne pepper
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground sirloin or veal, grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled garlic-flavored croutons, minced Italian parsley, salt, white pepper, and the lightly beaten egg.
2
Mix all ingredients thoroughly with your hands until well combined, then shape the mixture into 24 walnut-sized meatballs.
3
Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
4
Add the meatballs in batches of 12 and sauté until they are golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.
5
In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the minced onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
6
Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
7
Stir in the rinsed and dried escarole, cooking over low heat and covered until it wilts, approximately 3 minutes.
8
Pour in the chicken broth and add the reserved meatballs back to the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
9
Serve the soup hot, garnished with the additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, to taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Escarole & Meatball Delight?
It is a hearty low-carb and high-protein soup that features tender meatballs, sauteed escarole, and aromatic herbs.
What type of meat is used for the meatballs in this recipe?
You can use either ground sirloin or ground veal for the meatballs.
How many meatballs does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 24 walnut-sized meatballs.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it is specifically described as a hearty low-carb meal.
What kind of cheese is used in the meatballs?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of coarsely grated Parmesan cheese inside the meatballs.
How should the escarole be prepared before cooking?
The escarole should be shredded, rinsed, and spun dry.
What binding agents are used for the meatballs?
The recipe uses one lightly beaten large egg and 1/4 cup of crumbled garlic-flavored croutons as binders.
How long should I saute the meatballs?
Saute the meatballs in batches for about 6-8 minutes until they are golden brown on all sides.
What type of broth is recommended for this soup?
The recipe suggests using 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
How do I wilt the escarole?
Stir the escarole into the pot and cook it over low heat, covered, for approximately 3 minutes.
What aromatics are used in the soup base?
The soup base uses minced onion and minced garlic cloves.
How much olive oil is required in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil is used, divided between sauteing the meatballs and the vegetables.
What is the recommended garnish for this soup?
Serve the soup hot garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
How long do I simmer the soup once the broth is added?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 3 minutes.
What type of parsley is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of minced Italian parsley.
Can I use ground beef if sirloin is unavailable?
While the recipe specifies ground sirloin or veal, ground beef is a common substitute for these meats.
What equipment is recommended for cooking the soup?
A Dutch oven is recommended for sauteing and simmering the soup.
How do I ensure the garlic does not burn?
Stir the minced garlic constantly while sauteing for 2 minutes to prevent burning.
Is this recipe considered high in protein?
Yes, it is described as a high-protein soup perfect for a nutritious meal.
What seasonings are added to the meatballs?
The meatballs are seasoned with salt, white pepper, and minced Italian parsley.
How much escarole is needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of shredded escarole.
What is the flavor profile of the croutons used?
The recipe calls for garlic-flavored croutons.
When should the meatballs be added back to the pot?
The meatballs are added back to the pot after pouring in the chicken broth.
How much onion is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of minced onion.
Is the soup served hot or cold?
The soup should be served hot.
What should the oil look like before adding meatballs?
The oil should be shimmering but not smoking over medium-high heat.
Is this soup suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is noted as being ideal for either lunch or dinner.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include soup, low carb, high protein, comfort food, escarole, meatballs, healthy, easy recipe, and italian.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
What type of pepper is used in the garnish?
Cayenne pepper is used as a garnish to taste.