Vibrant Summer Minestrone with Savory Turkey Meatballs

 

Vibrant Summer Minestrone with Savory Turkey Meatballs

Minestrone:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup sliced zucchini
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Procedure:

1. Heat Oil and Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent (5 minutes).
2. Add Garlic and Cook: Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Add chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes), vegetable broth, water, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add Beans and Vegetables: Add kidney beans, cannellini beans, sliced zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).

Turkey Meatballs:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Step-by-Step Procedure:

1. Prep Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
2. Form Meatballs: Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a plate or tray.
3. Cook Meatballs: Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side).
4. Add to Minestrone: Once meatballs are cooked, add them to the minestrone pot and simmer for a few minutes to coat with the flavorful broth.

Enjoy your delicious Summer Minestrone with Turkey Meatballs.