Turkey Meatball and Swiss Chard Soup

Makes 6 servings (1½ cups per serving)

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup milk (1%)
  • 2 slices bread, cut into cubes
  • 1 lb. lean ground turkey
  • ¼ cup finely chopped shallots
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp fresh ground pepper
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tsp canola oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 8 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (540 mL) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • ¾ cup thinly sliced carrots
  • 1½ cups sliced zucchini
  • 3 sprigs thyme
  • 1 small lemon, sliced
  • 4 cups roughly chopped Swiss chard

Preparation

  1. In a large bowl, combine milk and bread cubes. Let stand for 2 minutes, then add turkey, shallots, garlic, nutmeg, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, cheese, parsley and egg. Stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
  2. Use a small scoop to form ½- to 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet. Set aside.
  3. Heat oil in a small frypan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened and lightly browned, about 4 – 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Add cooked onions, broth, beans, carrots, zucchini, thyme and lemon slices to a 5- to 7-quart slow cooker.
  5. Add meatballs and cover. Cook on low until meatballs are cooked through, about 3½ hours.
  6. Stir in Swiss chard. Cover and continue cooking for 30 minutes.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional analysis per serving: 237 calories, 7 g fat, 22 g protein, 23 g carbohydrate (18 g available carbohydrate), 6 g fibre, 378 mg sodium.

My Viva Servings: 1 grain, 3 proteins, 2 vegetables