Description
This Coconut Curry Meatball Orzo Soup is a flavorful, comforting dish combining tender meatballs, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic curry spices. The addition of orzo gives the soup a hearty touch, making it perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with bold flavors and a subtle heat, this soup is a unique twist on a classic comfort food
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional)
- 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions
-
Make the Meatballs:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Set aside.
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Prepare the Soup Base:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the curry powder and turmeric (if using) and cook for another 1 minute to bloom the spices.
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Combine the Soup:
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
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Add the Orzo and Meatballs:
- Add the orzo pasta to the simmering soup and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. If necessary, add extra broth or water to adjust the consistency of the soup.
- Once the orzo is cooked, gently add the baked meatballs into the soup and simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are warmed through.
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Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of freshness.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The orzo may soak up some of the liquid, so you may need to add a bit more broth when reheating.
- Variation: You can add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas for more color and nutrition. You can also use rice instead of orzo if preferred.
- Tip: For extra flavor, you can toast the curry powder in the pot for a minute before adding the liquids to really enhance its aroma.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 80mg