Zuppa di Verdure con Polpettine di Pollo

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner and lower in calories.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

pasta

🥗Healthier: whole grain pasta

💰Cheaper: rice

Whole grain pasta is higher in fiber, while rice is often more economical.

canned tomatoes

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: crushed tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes can be healthier, while crushed tomatoes are often less expensive.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

In a bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and egg; mix until well blended.

Form small meatballs and set aside.

Add canned tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot; bring to a simmer.

Add meatballs to the pot and cook for 10 minutes, stirring gently.

Stir in diced zucchini and green beans; cook for another 5 minutes.

Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens