Kale, albondigas, saffron, and orzo dance together to create a beautiful marriage of explosive flavors in this Spanish saffron albondigas soup!
Prep Time 35 minutesminutes
Cook Time 40 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour15 minutesminutes
Ingredients
MEATBALLS
1⁄2 cup of Italian breadcrumbs
⅓cupof half and half or milk
1poundof lean ground beef(97% lean 3% fat)
1⁄2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
3tablespoonsof olive oil
1⁄2 teaspoon of salt
1⁄2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
1teaspoonof dried oregano
SOUP
1tablespoonof olive oil
1medium onion(chopped)
1red bell pepper(chopped)
3clovesof garlic(minced)
1 1⁄2 teapoons of smoke paprika
1teaspoonof crumbled saffron
1teaspoonof dried oregano
1cupof good quality drinking white wine
8cupsof chicken broth
1cupof uncooked orzo
2cupsof chopped fresh kale(stems removed)
salt and pepper to taste
parsley or cilantro(to garnish)
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, add together all of the meatball ingredients. Mix together with your hands and
form 2 teaspoon full balls, set the balls on a pan and refrigerate for half an hour or flash freeze for
10 minutes.
In a large dutch oven or heavy bottom and wide pot heat oil over medium high and add in onions
and red bell peppers. Saute for 5 minutes, or until peppers and onions have softened. Next add in
garlic, continue cooking for 30 seconds then add in paprika, saffron, and oregano. Cook for ten
seconds more and then add in white wine.
Once the white wine has been added cook for 2 minutes, being sure to srape the bottom of your
pot with a wooden spoon and mixing occassionally.
Add in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Next add in meatballs and lower heat to a steady simmer
(medium high heat). Cook for about 20 minutes, then add in orzo and kale and cook for an
additional 15 minutes or until orzo is al dente and kale has softened
Taste for seasoning and add in salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Note* Saffron really makes this dish, please do not substitute it. Depending on the size of the meatballs, it can make anywhere between 12-16 meatballs. Use as lean of a meat as possible, either beef or turkey.