Hearty & Comforting Spinach and Tomato Soup with Meatballs: Your Ultimate Recipe Guide
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredible Spinach and Tomato Soup recipe, featuring succulent homemade meatballs. This creamy, rich, and deeply flavorful soup is the perfect antidote to chilly weather, combining the classic comfort of tomato soup with the satisfying heartiness of tender meatballs and fresh spinach. Prepare to fall in love with this comforting bowl!
The Ultimate Spinach and Tomato Meatball Soup
We are thrilled to feature a fantastic recipe from Marie of Not Enough Cinnamon – her Spinach and Tomato Soup with Meatballs. This isn’t just any soup; it’s the epitome of comfort food, a truly hearty and satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out, especially during those colder months. Imagine a rich, savory tomato base, infused with vibrant spinach, and dotted with perfectly seasoned, tender meatballs. It’s an irresistible combination!
There’s something uniquely special about a bowl of tomato soup, often paired with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich, that instantly brings warmth and nostalgia. This particular recipe takes that beloved classic and elevates it to a whole new level, making it undeniably delicious and a true standout amongst soup recipes.
Meet Marie from Not Enough Cinnamon
Marie, the talented creator behind “Not Enough Cinnamon,” brings a wonderful international flair to her cooking. Born and raised in the culinary heartland of Paris, France, she now calls Australia home – two destinations that many of us dream of visiting! Her blog is a treasure trove of healthy, easy, and undeniably delicious recipes.
What truly sets Marie apart is her philosophy: most of her recipes utilize no more than 4 or 5 ingredients, making healthy cooking accessible for the everyday, busy cook. This approach resonates deeply with me, and I know it will with many of you who are juggling busy schedules but still want to enjoy wholesome, homemade meals.
Marie empowers home cooks to create their favorite dishes from scratch using unprocessed ingredients. For instance, she’ll guide you through making Homemade Peanut Butter, crafting elegant Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls, or preparing these delightful Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Ricotta, Pesto, and Grilled Haloumi. And if you have a sweet tooth like me, you absolutely must check out her tempting Peanut Butter and Chocolate Creamy Dip – talk about a delicious weakness!
More Comforting Soup Recipes to Explore
If you’re a fan of today’s spinach and tomato soup, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy these other comforting and easy soup recipes from our collection. They are perfect for expanding your repertoire of cozy, flavorful meals:
- Italian Meatball Tomato Soup: Another hearty take on a classic, perfect for a filling meal.
- Moroccan Tomato Couscous Soup: A wonderfully spiced and aromatic soup with a delightful texture.
- Tomato Red Pepper Bulgur Soup: A vibrant and satisfying soup that’s both healthy and flavorful.
- Vegetable Cabbage Soup: A light yet filling option packed with nutritious vegetables.
- Homemade Minestrone Soup: The ultimate Italian vegetable soup, bursting with fresh ingredients.
Key Ingredients for this Flavorful Spinach Soup Recipe
This Spinach and Tomato Soup with Meatballs relies on a balanced blend of fresh and pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the rich, comforting flavor profile that makes this soup so irresistible. Here’s a closer look:
For the Soup Base:
- Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: Forms the liquid foundation of our soup. Use high-quality broth for the best flavor. Vegetable broth makes this soup suitable for those avoiding meat in the broth.
- Fresh Spinach Leaves: Adds a beautiful green color, a delicate earthy flavor, and a boost of nutrients. Baby spinach wilts quickly and is ideal.
- Onion: Sautéed until fragrant, it provides an essential aromatic base that deepens the overall flavor of the soup.
- Tomato Sauce: Contributes a smooth, rich tomato flavor and helps create the creamy texture.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Adds a robust tomato flavor and some texture to the soup base. Look for good quality canned crushed tomatoes.
- Tomato Paste: A concentrated burst of tomato flavor that thickens the soup and intensifies its savory notes.
- Basil Pesto: This is the secret ingredient that takes the soup to the next level! Swirling in a tablespoon of pesto at the end adds a fresh, aromatic, and herbaceous finish, complementing the tomato and spinach beautifully.
For the Tender, Flavorful Meatballs:
Homemade meatballs are the star of this soup, adding incredible texture and protein. Making them from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and achieve perfect tenderness.
- Ground Meat Mix (Veal and Pork): The original recipe calls for a mix of ground veal and pork, which offers a wonderfully tender texture and rich flavor. However, feel free to adapt!
- Ground Beef, Pork, or Turkey: You can easily substitute with ground beef, all pork, or ground turkey for a leaner option. A mix of any two often yields the best flavor and moisture.
- Garlic Clove: Freshly minced garlic is essential for infusing the meatballs with aromatic depth.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami flavor and helps bind the meatballs, keeping them moist and tender.
- Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, providing classic Italian flavors.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Chopped fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note to the meatballs, enhancing their overall deliciousness.
- Eggs: Act as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape during cooking.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the meatballs to perfection.
How to Make This Delicious Spinach and Tomato Meatball Soup
Creating this flavorful soup is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow these instructions for a perfect bowl every time:
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide:
1. PREPARE THE MEATBALLS: In a large mixing bowl, combine your chosen ground meat (veal and pork, or any alternative like beef or turkey), two eggs, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Using your hands, gently but thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs. Once mixed, form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, approximately the size of one tablespoon each. You should yield about 20 meatballs. A useful tip: keep your hands slightly wet while shaping the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking too much.
2. BROWN THE MEATBALLS: Heat one teaspoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add about half of your meatballs to the pot. Brown them on all sides until they develop a beautiful light golden-brown crust. This step is crucial for building flavor. Remove the browned meatballs from the pot and set them aside. Add another teaspoon of olive oil and repeat the browning process with the remaining meatballs. Ensure you don’t overcrowd the pot; browning in batches allows the meatballs to sear properly rather than steam, making them easier to flip without falling apart.
3. COOK THE ONION AND SPINACH: In the same pot, after removing the last batch of meatballs, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant and slightly softened. Next, add the fresh baby spinach to the pot. Stir it gently with the onion, cooking for just a few seconds until the vibrant spinach leaves begin to wilt and shrink. This quick cooking prevents the spinach from becoming overcooked and mushy.
4. MIX TOGETHER THE SOUP INGREDIENTS: Return all the browned meatballs to the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir everything together gently to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked through and tender, and the flavors have had time to meld beautifully. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. SERVE AND ENJOY: Ladle the hot, homemade soup into individual bowls. For an extra burst of fresh flavor, add one tablespoon of basil pesto to each bowl just before serving and gently swirl it in. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This comforting soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Modify This Spinach and Tomato Soup
This Spinach and Tomato Soup recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative with these delicious modifications:
- Add Some Spice: If you enjoy a bit of heat, liven up the rich tomato broth by stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne red pepper. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Incorporate Pasta: For an even heartier meal, pasta is a fantastic addition. Opt for small or medium pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or orzo. Alternatively, try adding gnocchi or cheese tortellini for a truly indulgent and creamy tomato tortellini soup. If adding pasta, stir in about 1 cup during the last 10 minutes of simmering, or according to package directions, to ensure it cooks perfectly without becoming overcooked.
- Switch Up the Protein with Sausage: Italian sausage (mild or hot) would be a wonderful addition to this soup. You can brown crumbled Italian sausage alongside the meatballs or even mix the sausage meat into your homemade meatballs for an extra layer of flavor.
- Boost with Beans: To add more nutrients, fiber, and protein, incorporate a can of drained and rinsed white beans (like cannellini) or chickpeas (garbanzo beans) into the soup. This is a great way to make the soup even more substantial and healthy.
- Achieve Extra Creaminess with Blending: For those who prefer an ultra-smooth and creamy soup, use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer batches to a regular blender) to blend a portion of the soup before adding the meatballs back in. You can also blend it all for a smooth base, then add the cooked meatballs.
- Vary the Broth: While chicken stock provides a classic flavor, feel free to use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version or beef broth for a deeper, richer taste.
- Experiment with Greens: While fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds a lovely flavor, other leafy greens can also be used. Chopped kale or arugula would offer a slightly different texture and peppery note. Just ensure heartier greens like kale are cooked a bit longer until tender.
- Add a Dairy Finish: For an even creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream, a dollop of mascarpone cheese, or a swirl of plain Greek yogurt (stirred in off the heat) just before serving.
- Cheese, Please!: Beyond Parmesan, consider topping your soup with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, provolone, or even a crumbling of fresh goat cheese for a tangy contrast.
Other Fresh Tomato Recipes You Might Enjoy:
If you love the fresh, vibrant flavor of tomatoes, be sure to check out these other delightful recipes that highlight this versatile fruit:
- PERSIAN TOMATO CUCUMBER SALAD: A refreshing and simple salad, perfect for any meal.
- TOMATO CUCUMBER FETA QUINOA SALAD: A wholesome and delicious salad packed with protein and fresh flavors.
- EASY LEBANESE SALAD: A bright and zesty salad that’s a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine.
- LEBANESE TABBOULEH: A classic, herbaceous salad featuring finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur.
- CUCUMBER TOMATO SALAD WITH YOGURT DRESSING: A cool and creamy salad, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
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Spinach and Tomato Soup with Meatballs
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Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground veal , {or you can use ground beef, turkey or sausage}
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 eggs
- 1 garlic , or 2 small, minced
- 1/3 cup parmesan, grated
- 1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tsps. italian seasoning
- 2 tsp. olive oil, divided
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cups baby spinach , fresh
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsps. tomato paste
- 6 tbsps. basil pesto
- parmesan, grated, for serving
- salt to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the meatballs. In a large bowl, add ground meat, eggs, garlic, parmesan, basil, Italian seasoning and salt. Using your hands, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until combined and well distributed.
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Form meatballs the size of one tablespoon. You should get about 20 meatballs. To avoid the mixture to be too sticky, keep your hands wet when shaping the meatballs.
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Heat one teaspoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown half of the meatballs on each side and remove from the pot.
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Add another teaspoon of olive oil and repeat. You want to make sure your pot is not too crowded so you can easily flip the meatballs without destroying them.
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In the same pot, add onion and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add spinach and cook just a few seconds until it starts to shrink.
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Transfer the meatballs back to the pot and stir in stock, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through. Adjust seasoning.
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Serve soup in bowls and add one tablespoon of pesto in each bowl. Top with additional parmesan.
Notes
- You can use ground beef or turkey for the meatballs.
- You can also add small pasta to the soup. If you do, add 1 cup to the pot 10 minutes (more or less according to package direction) before the soup finishes to cook.
- This soup is even better the next day.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.