Description
A flavorful and hearty Coconut Curry Meatball Orzo Soup, combining tender baked meatballs with a creamy coconut curry broth and tender orzo pasta. This comforting soup is infused with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a hint of lime, perfect for a satisfying and exotic meal any time of the year.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Soup Base
- 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)
To Serve
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (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.
- Form the Meatballs: 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: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Set aside.
- 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 Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Bloom the Spices: Stir in the curry powder and turmeric (if using) and cook for another 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the simmering soup and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender. Adjust the soup consistency by adding extra broth or water if necessary.
- Add Meatballs to Soup: Gently add the baked meatballs into the soup and simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are heated through.
- 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
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Breadcrumbs can be replaced with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variation.
- Adjust the amount of curry powder to your taste preference for spiciness.
- Adding lime wedges adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the coconut curry.
- If the soup thickens too much, thin it out with additional broth or water before serving.
- Fresh cilantro is recommended for garnish but can be omitted if preferred.
