minestra-maritata-con-fagioli-bianchi

Winter Best Food

Minestra Maritata con Fagioli Bianchi

Italian comfort food at its best, this easy soup recipe lends itself to countless variations. Our version includes white beans for extra fiber and protein.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground turkey breast
  • 1 cup fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs (see Tip)
  • 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

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

Directions

  1. To prepare meatballs: Combine turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, Worcestershire, fennel seeds, pepper and salt in a large bowl. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up. With damp hands, shape the mixture into 32 (1-inch) meatballs (about 1 scant tablespoon each).

  2. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 7 to 9 minutes. Remove from the heat and add wine, stirring gently to loosen any browned bits.

  3. To prepare soup: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and celery and cook, stirring, until the onion is translucent, 7 to 9 minutes. Add cabbage and cook, stirring, 5 minutes more. Stir in broth, beans, escarole (or kale) and the meatballs and any juice. Bring just to a boil, reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Top each portion with 1 tablespoon grated cheese.