Vegan Meatball Soup with Pasta & Kale
This Vegan Meatball Soup with Pasta & Kale is a hearty and satisfying dinner recipe. Simmered in a flavorful pesto broth.
Ingredients
FOR THE VEGAN MEATBALLS
- 16 ounces vegan sausage or ground beef I used Beyond Sausages
- 3 cloves garlic diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon aquafaba*
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- salt & pepper
FOR THE SOUP
- 4 tablespoons olive oil separated
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt & pepper to taste
- 5-6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon pesto
- 1.5 cups short pasta dry
- 1 cup kale torn in bite-sized pieces
- fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- Combine the meatball ingredients in a bowl and mash with a fork to combine. Roll the mixture into balls and place on a plate - I was able to make 20.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a stock pot over medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot followed by the onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt & pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, being sure to scrape down the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the broth, tomatoes & pesto and bring it to a boil. Carefully add the meatballs back to the broth, lower the heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Add the dry pasta to the pot and cook until al dente - about 10 minutes. Lastly, add the kale and cook for a couple more minutes.**
- Taste and add salt if needed. Serve hot with fresh basil.
Video
Notes
*Aquafaba is the canning liquid from a chickpea can. You can also sub a different vegan egg replacement.
**The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce/broth as it sits. If you want a more "brothy" soup, then I would suggest adding more broth or cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each bowl. You can also add more broth to the leftovers.
Nutrition
Calories: 444kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 24g