Warm soup on any evening is a welcome way to gather for a family meal; and while it will fill your little one’s bellies, this zucchini meatball soup satisfies me, too, in its ease of preparation. Saute, boil, simmer, and layer ingredients as you remember to– that’s the loose philosophy that needs to apply to all soups I’ll actually finish cooking. Hopefully this method, and this recipe, will help you to make a quick and painless, but nourishing meal for your family, too!
I find that even in the warmer months, a one-bowl soup with lots of creamy vegetables and substantial protein is really satisfying to all. This zucchini meatball soup has richness from coconut cream and creamy rice, depth of flavor from layers of sautéed onion and garlic and the warming spices, and weight from the meatballs. I think it will please everyone at your table; if not before they smell its slightly Indian, comfort-food aroma, then after!
Why This Squash-Meatball Soup Is a Healthy Family Meal
This zucchini meatball soup one of my favorite meals and I plant to be making it all the time! Here’s why it works for me and hopefully for you too!
- Freezes and rewarms well
- Made of things we pretty much always have around- squash, ground beef, zucchini, rice
- Includes protein, veggie, and starch for a very well-rounded and filling meal
- I love that it makes the carb a minor part of the meal, like a condiment, while the veggies and protein really shine
- Just ONE bowl and ONE spoon (per person) for whoever will be washing that night’s dishes! (This thrills me, clearly)
- Can be easily upgraded into super-healthy extra credit territory- simply use organic produce, and pastured and/or organic beef
- Quick and easy, comes together in one pot and during one kitchen session
Variations on the Zucchini Meatball Soup
Sure! In the version in the photos, I actually didn’t include rice with the zucchini meatball soup. I think it adds a little bulk to the meal and a slight creaminess to the broth, but you can definitely leave the rice out if you want.
Don’t worry! When I created this recipe, delicata squash was in season, but it’s not always so easy to find! Substitute it for any other winter squash (acorn squash, kabocha squash, butternut squash), they’ll all add some creaminess and sweetness.
Yes, you can make the zucchini-meatball soup taste however you prefer, or however is convenient based on the spices you have. Just be aware that the flavor won’t be the same, obviously.
YES! I plan to stash this in my freezer next time I make it- want to make sure it’s always on-hand for a quick meal.
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If you are interested in trying this recipe, go ahead and share it with a friend!
Or, have you already tried it? Leave a star rating and tell me your thoughts below in the comments!
