5 cups dark leafy greens ((escarole, spinach, swiss chard, or kale))
Steps
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl, combine all of the 'for the meatballs' ingredients. Using your hands, gently combine.
With a melon baller or a teaspoon, drop ~1 - 1 1/4 inch balls onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet (or 2). Using your hands, go back through and roll the meatballs into round circles, they don't have to be perfect.
Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Set aside until soup is ready.
Meanwhile, for the soup, heat olive oil over medium high heat in a dutch oven or large soup pot.
Add the onions, celery, carrots, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, and saute until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the chicken broth and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Then, reduce heat to a low simmer (medium-low heat or low heat depending on your stovetop).
Add the parsley, oregano, and the leafy greens. Stir until just wilted.
Add the cooked meatballs into the soup, taste and add salt and pepper, to taste.
Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with a little fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Enjoy!
Reviews
Bella on 2022-09-23 (5 stars): So good. I have a ton of the seasoned ground beef (I used beef only) and little meatballs both remaining- any suggestions as to how I could use them in another dinner recipe of yours or just for an informal meal?
Vanessa on 2022-09-23 (5 stars): Delicious! I made it my own rolling tinier meatballs, adding egg ribbons, and gluten-free orzo, then served it with grated vegan Parmesan. So nutritious, I could actually feel the nutrients being absorbed by my body- and so perfect to welcome the fall season!!
Alexander on 2022-08-14 (5 stars): Could I use all beef for the meatballs? Due to animal rights activists’ warrants, I can’t get my hands on veal anywhere locally.
Mariah on 2021-02-17 (5 stars): A very flavorful soup and so easy to prepare. I like it best with escarole and when I’m not on the whole 30, definitely make some pasta on the side to throw in - yum!
Katie on 2021-01-19 (5 stars): Made this tonight and everyone loved it! Another hit from the Defined Dish!
Amanda on 2021-01-09 (5 stars): So flavorful with minimal ingredients!
Kelly Salmon on 2021-01-07 (5 stars): As with all of Alex’s recipes, this was delish! A hit with the whole family and even better the next day.
Carla Jean on 2020-12-16 (5 stars): So incredibly good! I made it with ground Turkey and lamb since that’s what I had on hand and it is so delicious and simple. Definitely a winter staple now.
