20 minutes
Indulge in a nourishing bowl of our Hearty Meatball and Tomato Couscous Soup, a perfect blend of wholesome vegetables and succulent pork meatballs. This comforting soup not only contributes to three of your recommended five daily servings of fruits and vegetables but also offers a satisfying meal with its inclusion of giant couscous. Ideal for a low-calorie yet fulfilling dining experience.
tablespoons
Onion, finely chopped
each
Red Peppers, deseeded and sliced
each
Garlic Clove, crushed
each
teaspoons
Chopped Tomatoes, canned
0 oz
Giant Couscous
0 oz
0.25 fluid ounces
Pork Meatballs
each
0 oz
Basil, fresh
bunch
Parmesan Cheese, grated
to taste
1. Heat the Oil
In a large saucepan, heat the rapeseed oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and sliced red peppers to the saucepan. Fry for 7 minutes until softened.
3. Infuse with Flavor
Stir in the crushed garlic and chilli flakes. Continue to cook for 1 minute, allowing the aromas to release.
4. Simmer the Soup Base
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and giant couscous. Add the hot vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook the Meatballs
Season the soup to your taste. Place the pork meatballs into the simmering soup along with the baby spinach. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Swap the beef meatballs for lighter chicken or turkey meatballs and replace couscous with orzo pasta. Add lemon zest and a handful of spinach for a Mediterranean twist.
Shift the spices to include cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. Add chickpeas and lentils to the broth, and serve with a side of lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Use ground lamb with Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, and mint. Swap couscous for quinoa for added protein and a nuttier flavor.
Introduce elements like escarole or kale, small pasta like acini de pepe, and parmesan cheese into the broth for an Italian flair.
Make meatless balls with lentils, breadcrumbs, and flaxseed as a binder. Use rice instead of couscous for a heartier texture.
Properly brown the meatballs before adding them to the soup to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Always taste and adjust the seasonings, considering salt, freshly ground black pepper, or red pepper flakes for heat.
Opt for high-quality ingredients, particularly for the meatballs, such as grass-fed beef or a mix of beef and pork, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Offer a variety of garnishes such as freshly chopped parsley, grated cheese, pesto, or quality olive oil to personalize the dish.
Use homemade chicken or vegetable stock for a richer and more flavorful base.
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