Spinach White Bean Meatball Soup (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Meatballs

01 - 1 lb ground turkey or chicken (or beef)
02 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
03 - 1 egg
04 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ For the Soup

09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 small onion, diced
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 2 carrots, sliced
13 - 1 (15-oz) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
14 - 6 cups chicken broth
15 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
18 - 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
19 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

→ For Garnish

20 - Grated Parmesan cheese
21 - Fresh parsley, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
02 - Roll mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same pot, add onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
04 - Add white beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
05 - Return meatballs to the pot and simmer for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked.
06 - Stir in spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Squeeze in lemon juice for freshness.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad.

# Notes:

01 - For a creamy variation, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream before serving.
02 - Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.