Italian Meatball Soup with Farro & Lacinato Kale

Italian Meatball Soup

with Farro & Lacinato Kale

35 MIN
2 Servings
Wellness at Blue Apron
Find recipes that suit your lifestyle with our new nutritionist-approved dietary tags.
Vegetarian
These recipes don’t contain meat, poultry, fish, or seafood.* They’re made with fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. *Select artisanal cheeses may contain animal-derived rennet.
Carb Conscious
This applies to meal kit recipes with 48g or less of net carbs (total carbs minus dietary fiber) per serving. Carb Conscious Add-ons contain 20g or less net carbs.
Mediterranean Diet
Our Mediterranean recipes are inspired by the Mediterranean Diet, a healthy eating plan recommended in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans published jointly every five years by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS). This eating plan highlights the flavors and cooking styles from countries along the Mediterranean Sea, including those in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. These recipes showcase a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, as well as lean proteins and moderate portions of dairy.
600 Calories or Less
These meals contain 600 calories or less per serving. The US Food & Drug Administration uses 2000 calorie daily intake for general advice. The 600 calorie cap equates to 30% of the total 2000 calories per day based on 3 meals per day with 200 calories remaining for snack or beverage.
Wellness Grain
These recipes feature grains such as barley, quinoa, farro, orzo, couscous and more, handpicked by our Culinary team in collaboration with our Registered Dietitian.
Pescatarian
These recipes feature a wide array of nutritious seafood options like salmon, cod, tilapia, crab, and shrimp. While these dishes never contain meat, pork or poultry, they may contain animal derived ingredients such as milk, butter, cheese and/or honey.
30g Of Protein
These meals contain 30g or more of protein per serving, and are ideal for those looking to focus their meals around protein intake.
Keto Friendly
These meals have approximately 10% of calories from carbohydrates, 20% from protein, and 70% from dietary fats (per serving).
45g Of Protein
These meal kit recipes contain 45g or more of protein per serving, and are ideal for those looking to focus their meals around protein intake.
Nutritionist's Pick
These meals are selected by Blue Apron’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. They are centered around nutritious and wholesome ingredients, featuring whole grains and fresh produce which provide fiber. They also contain moderate portions of dairy and lean protein while being mindful of saturated fat.
Wheat Free
These meals are prepared with ingredients that do not contain wheat. They feature grains such as barley and rice as well as proteins and vegetables.
Reduced Sodium
These Prepared and Ready dishes contain at least 25% less sodium per 100 grams (or 3.5 oz) than our average Prepared and Ready Meal as of October 1, 2024. Sodium content has been reduced from 330 mg per 100 grams to 250 mg per 100 grams. These dishes focus on ingredients with strong flavor and moderate salt.
Vegan
To view a recipe's full nutrition information, head to your Upcoming page at blueapron.com, click on a specific recipe, then head to the Nutrition tab and select 'View Full Nutrition.' Nutrition Facts Panels are available up to 1.5 weeks in advance

From the Test Kitchen

The secret to a successful soup is perfectly melded flavors. This classic meatball soup (or “zuppa di polpette” in Italian) combines some of our favorite Tuscan flavors—Lacinato kale, hearty farro, warming spices and Parmesan cheese—in a comforting, colorful tomato broth. By browning our meatballs on the stovetop, then simmering them in the savory broth, we’re ensuring the beef stays tender and juicy, while also soaking up all the delicious flavors of the soup. Happy holidays, chefs!
See Plans
  • Nutrition
    PER SERVING
  • Calories
    700 Cals (est.)
fresh
ingredients
Italian Meatball Soup with Farro & Lacinato Kale
Title
Cook the farro:
1 Cook the farro:

Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling on high. Once boiling, add the farro and cook 16 to 18 minutes, or until tender. Drain thoroughly. Rinse and wipe out the pot.

2 Prepare the ingredients:

While the farro cooks, wash and dry the fresh produce. Peel and small dice the onion. Remove and discard the kale stems; roughly chop the leaves.

Form the meatballs:
3 Form the meatballs:

While the farro continues to cook, in a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, half the cheese and half the spice blend; season with salt and pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Using your hands, form the mixture into 24 to 26 equal-sized meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter. Place on a plate.

4 Start the soup:

In the pot used to cook the farro, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium until hot. Add the onion and remaining spice blend; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Add the kale; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until wilted. Stir in the diced tomatoes, demi-glace and 3 cups of water; season with salt and pepper. Heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, 4 to 6 minutes, or until the liquid is slightly reduced in volume.

Start the soup:
5 Brown the meatballs:

While the soup simmers, in a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, 4 to 6 minutes, or until browned on all sides.

6 Finish the soup & serve your dish:

Add the browned meatballs (leaving any drippings in the pan) and cooked farro to the pot of soup. Simmer, stirring occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes, or until thoroughly combined and the meatballs are cooked through. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the finished soup between 2 bowls. Garnish with the remaining cheese. Enjoy!

Finish the soup & serve your dish:
Browse Steps
1 of 6