Hearty Tuscan Meatball Soup with Orzo and Kale

This rustic soup brings together tender pork meatballs, tiny orzo pasta and a medley of vegetables in a fragrant broth seasoned with Tuscan herbs. It’s the kind of bowl that warms you from the inside out-perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little comfort.

Each spoonful is packed with flavor: savory meatballs, sweet carrots, earthy kale and a hint of garlic. Served with crispy, buttery garlic bread, this soup is a complete meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

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Ingredients

1 unit CarrotsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 unit Yellow OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce KaleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Ground PorkView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Tuscan Heat SpiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Chicken Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.33 cup Orzo PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Demi-BaguetteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Salt to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Pepper to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust an oven rack to the top position and preheat the broiler to high. Wash and dry all produce. Trim and peel the carrot, then cut into ½-inch pieces. Halve the onion; peel and dice one half (for 4 servings, dice the whole onion). Mince the garlic. Remove and discard any large ribs from the kale; chop the leaves into 1-inch pieces.
2. Heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the carrot, onion and half the garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 8-10 minutes. If the vegetables cook too quickly, lower the heat to medium low.
3. While the vegetables cook, in a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, panko, half the Tuscan Heat Spice and a few big pinches of salt and pepper. Shape the mixture into small ½-inch-wide meatballs.
4. Stir the remaining Tuscan Heat Spice into the pot with the vegetables. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the kale, stock concentrates, 3 cups hot water (6 cups for 4 servings) and a few big pinches of salt. Cover the pot, increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, remove the lid. Carefully stir in the orzo and meatballs. Reduce the heat to medium low and cover. Cook until the orzo is al dente and the meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, halve the demi-baguette lengthwise, then halve each piece again on an angle. Place 2 tablespoons butter (4 tablespoons for 4 servings) in a small microwave-safe bowl; microwave until softened, about 15 seconds (do not melt). Stir in the remaining garlic and season with salt. Spread the garlic butter onto the cut sides of the baguette pieces. Place them on a baking sheet cut sides up. Broil until golden, 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
6. Stir half the Parmesan cheese into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan. Serve with the garlic bread on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use ground beef instead of pork?

Yes, ground beef works well as a substitute. You may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the meatballs moist.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the soup without the orzo, then cook the orzo separately and add it when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.

What can I use instead of Tuscan Heat Spice?

A blend of dried oregano, basil, rosemary and a pinch of red pepper flakes makes a good substitute.