Orzo, Meatball and Herb Soup

The winter has arrived here in Canada. We have already had a light snowfall with more anticipated for tomorrow. So although I was in paradise last week, it is time to break out the winter recipes. My favourite type of winter recipes are hearty, easy and ones I can dump into my slow cooker or instant pot. This soup meets all those criteria.

A hearty one-pot meal soup. Piping hot broth, herb filled meatballs, carrots, white beans, orzo and kale. Healthy, delicious and I made it all in about 10 minutes. I used my instant pot but you can simmer on the stove top as well. Get out your best soup spoons because this one-pot wonder is worth gossiping about!

Orzo, Meatball and Herb Soup

Yield: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:
Meatballs
1/2 lb ground turkey or chicken
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp fresh dill, chopped
3 sprigs thyme, leaves only
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Garlic powder, sprinkle
Salt/pepper, to taste
Soup
1 carrot, thinly sliced
1 small onion, small dice
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
2 tsp chicken flavoured powder
1/4 cup dried orzo
1/2 cup white kidney beans
1/2 cup kale, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large bowl, place all the meatball ingredients and mix until well incorporated. Set aside.
2. In an instant pot, on the saute setting, place a tbsp of olive oil and saute carrots and onions until onions are translucent.
3. Turn off the instant pot and add in the chicken stock, water, chicken powder, salt and pepper.
4. Roll the ground meat into small meatballs and drop them into the instant pot.
5. Add in the orzo.
6. Close the instant pot and set the valve to sealing. Press the soup button and set the time to 3 minutes (should be high pressure). Once the instant pot beeps, allow it to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. Quick release and open the pot.
7. Add in white beans, kale and fresh dill. Enjoy!