Italian Wedding Soup

How to make an Italian Wedding Soup.

Ingredients: Serves 6-8

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground turkey breast
• 1 cup fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup dry white wine

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
• 1 cup chopped carrots (2 medium)
• 1 cup chopped celery (2 medium stalks)
• 4 cups chopped cabbage (about 1/2 small head)
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 15-ounce can white beans, rinsed
• 8 cups coarsely chopped escarole or thinly sliced kale leaves (about 1 bunch)
• ½ cup freshly grated Romano cheese

Instructions:

1. Combine turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, Worcestershire, fennel seeds, pepper and salt in a large bowl.
2. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up.
3. With damp hands, shape the mixture into 32 (1-inch) meatballs (about 1 scant tablespoon each).
4. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 7 to 9 minutes.
6. Remove from the heat and add wine, stirring gently to loosen any browned bits.
7. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
8. Add onion, carrots and celery and cook, stirring, until the onion is translucent, 7 to 9 minutes.
9. Add cabbage and cook, stirring, 5 minutes more.
10. Stir in broth, beans, escarole (or kale) and the meatballs and any juice.
11. Bring just to a boil, reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
12. Top each portion with 1 tablespoon grated cheese.
13. Enjoy!