White Bean Soup with Mini Lamb Meatballs

October 7th, 2009 | Filed under: entree, recipe, sides & bites | Tags: beans, kale, lamb, pasta, soupWhite Bean Soup with Mini Lamb Meatballs

They say it’s fall, and the calendar agrees—but the weather hasn’t caught up. It’s all record highs, heavy humidity, and relentless mosquitos. Still, there’s college football on TV, baseball playoffs in full swing, and pumpkin flavors popping up at the local ice cream shop. So, even if the air doesn’t feel like autumn, my appetite definitely does.

fall food for watching sports. And no matter how warm it is outside, I’m always up for something cozy to eat while watching a live game. This week, I made a white bean soup with mini lamb meatballs—hearty enough to be a full meal. It’s loaded with white beans, whole wheat pasta, dark Lacinato kale, and tender ricotta lamb meatballs. It’s the kind of dish that brings serious comfort while you’re cheering from the couch.

So even if the leaves aren’t turning yet, a bowl of this soup and the sound of a football game in the background are enough to trick me into believing it’s truly fall.

🟨 Even better, this soup doubles as a perfect dish for game day gatherings. Packed with protein and fall comfort, it’s great for fans who want something cozy while watching college football or playoff baseball. Pair it with hearty companions like Potato, Cheese & Ale Soup or a bright grape and goat cheese salad for a balanced spread. And if you’re searching for more sports-friendly recipes to impress your crowd, check out these favorites made for game day flavor. 🟨

 

White Bean Soup with Mini Lamb Meatballs

1 lb. ground lamb
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup ricotta
1 tsp. salt
freshly ground black pepper

1 tbsp. olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken stock
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tbsp. tomato paste
1 15 oz. can of Canellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup whole wheat Ditali pasta (or other short pasta like elbows or orzo)
1 bunch (about 4 cups) Lacinato Kale (or regular kale), roughly chopped
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

good olive oil for drizzling
Parmesan cheese for grating

Combine the lamb, breadcrumbs, ricotta, salt and pepper in bowl until evenly mixed. Set aside.

Set a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, heat the olive oil then add the onions and saute until soft and beginning to brown, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add the stock, tomato paste and cayenne pepper and simmer for a couple of minutes. Add the kale, beans, pasta and lemon juice.

While the soup is simmering, use a teaspoon measure to scoop up the lamb mixture and gently drop them into the pot to simmer. Continue until you run out of lamb.

Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring gently, or until the lamb is cooked through. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Ladle into bowls, drizzle with olive oil and add a dusting of freshly ground Parmesan cheese

Makes 6 entree-sized portions.

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8 Comments

8 Comments on “White Bean Soup with Mini Lamb Meatballs”

    1. 1Jill said at 7:27 am on October 8th, 2009:Where are the white beans?
    2. 2mel said at 7:28 am on October 8th, 2009:Jill – Eeeek! Forgot an ingredient! Thanks for pointing that out. I’ll update now 🙂
    3. 3Debi(Table Talk) said at 11:56 am on October 8th, 2009:—will be 87 here tomorrow, so I know what you mean about tricking yourself into believing its no longer summer….but who says you can’t eat soup with the a/c cranked? Looks delicious!
    4. 4Ariana from Chicago said at 12:31 pm on October 8th, 2009:Looks delicious. Around here, they are saying it’s possible snow by Monday. I so wish I was flip flopping around Miami right now!
    5. 5Sausage Fest, Part Deux: 2 Soups « Coconut Dreamz said at 9:41 pm on October 8th, 2009:[…] (adapted from Bitchin Camero) […]
    6. 6Tali said at 11:42 am on October 9th, 2009:wow, it looks incredible. It’s definitely fall here (in Berlin). It might even be considered winter where you come from.. 48 degs right now. i want this soup!
    7. 4.5
      Jordan said at 7:15 pm on October 8th, 2009:
      This would be perfect for Sunday night football! I can totally see a pot of this soup simmering while friends come over with snacks and team jerseys. The mini meatballs make it feel like a cozy game day upgrade from chili!
  1. 7Steve said at 6:13 am on October 10th, 2009:It is definitely feeling like Fall where I am, and this soup looks like a perfect weeknight meal for the family. I even have some chard left in the garden that will stand-in nicely for the kale, thanks for sharing.
  2. 8zbunku said at 12:43 am on January 8th, 2011:Much nicer. Fuck ���� ������� �������� ������ me get that your name for.

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