Easy and Healthy Spicy Turkey Meatball Kale Soup

Middle Eastern-inspired, spicy, tender turkey meatballs seasoned with spices like cumin, paprika, jalapeno peppers, garlic, and onions with shredded kale, simmering in a lemon chicken broth and toasted crunchy pine nuts for a delicious turkey meatball kale soup.

Table of Contents

Jump to:

• Straightforward Soup Recipe
• The Global Influence
• Lebanese-Style Meatballs
• Why Pine Nuts in Meatballs?
• The Power of Kale
• Ingredients with Steps
• Culinary Glossary
• Instructions with Pictures
• Shaping Meatball Tips
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Equipment
• Storage and Reheating
• Cooking Tip
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Globally- Inspired Soup Recipes
• Turkey Recipes
• 📖 Recipe
• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
• Have a Comment or Question?

Straightforward Soup Recipe

It's time to change your soup routine with this Middle Eastern flair! This Easy and Healthy Spicy Turkey Meatball Kale Soup features tender meatballs seasoned with a flavorful yet simple shawarma spice blend and simmered in a layered lemon chicken broth.

Imagine the warmth of cumin, paprika, and a touch of jalapeno mingling with the bright citrus notes, all balanced by the nutritious benefits of leafy green kale and the crunchy delight of toasted pine nuts. Definitely, it's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend suppers. Picture doing this recipe for meal prep.  

This straightforward soup recipe requires minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction - a true gem for flavor lovers! Get ready to partake in a whole new level of soup deliciousness!

The Global Influence

This Turkey Meatball Kale Soup doesn’t have a specific country of origin, but it draws inspiration from several culinary traditions. Meatball soups are found in many cultures, such as Italian, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European cuisines, where different types of meat are used for the meatballs and leafy greens are often added for extra nutrition.

The combination of lean turkey and kale gives this soup a more modern, health-conscious twist that reflects the growing popularity of superfoods like kale in contemporary American cooking. The simplicity and heartiness of the dish make it a great fusion of flavors inspired by various culinary traditions while being approachable for home cooks everywhere!

Lebanese-Style Meatballs

These turkey meatballs are inspired by my love for Lebanese-style meatballs, also known as kafta. In Lebanese cuisine, meatballs are often seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cumin, which give them a rich, aromatic flavor. The addition of pine nuts brings a subtle crunch and nutty depth, making these meatballs extra special.

I’ve taken that inspiration and blended it with a lighter, leaner protein—turkey—while keeping the seasoning bold and flavorful. These meatballs are a nod to the comforting flavors of Lebanese cooking but with my own twist for a healthy, hearty soup!

Why Pine Nuts in Meatballs?

Pine nuts are a perfect addition to meatballs because they add a subtle, nutty flavor and a delightful buttery texture that complements the savory richness of the meat. When mixed into meatballs, pine nuts provide a bit of crunch, which contrasts nicely with the tender, juicy turkey.

Their mild, slightly sweet taste enhances the seasoning in the meatballs without overpowering it, adding an extra layer of depth. Whether roasted or raw, pine nuts bring a luxurious flavor and texture to the dish, making these meatballs feel extra special and full of character.

They’re a common ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, so they fit right into the flavor profile of this dish!

The Power of Kale

Kale is a leafy green that has taken the spotlight in recent years, and it’s easy to see why everyone loves it! This nutrient-dense superfood is part of the cabbage family and comes in several varieties, from curly to lacinato (also known as dinosaur kale).

Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with powerful antioxidants, kale helps protect your body from free radicals. It’s also a great source of fiber, which supports digestion and helps keep you full.

Whether you sauté it, toss it in a salad, or, like in this recipe, add it to soups, kale adds a hearty texture and a pop of vibrant green that makes any dish look and feel healthier! Plus, its slightly bitter taste mellows out when cooked, giving your soup a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.

For More Healthy Recipes, Try These Below:

• Mouthwatering Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Pine Nuts Turkey Meatballs
• Turkey Meatball Wraps
• Vegetarian Ras El Hanout White Bean and Kale Soup
• Chicken Meatballs and Israeli Couscous Vegetable Soup
• Pumpkin Gnocchi Chicken Soup

Ingredients with Steps

To begin with, toast the pine nuts to release their nutty flavor.  Next, chop the garlic cloves, onion, and jalapeno in chunks to blend with fresh parsley.  

Then, make the meatballs by combining the aromatic paste with ground turkey, a large egg, panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, some pine nuts, kosher salt, ground black pepper, shawarma spice blend, and some fresh lemon juice and air fry.  

While those cook, make the soup by cooking the remaining aromatic paste with salt and pepper.  Next, add the low-sodium chicken broth and simmer.  Finish the soup by adding the cooked meatballs and seasoning the warm broth with lemon juice, zest, and salt.  

Finally, bowl the soup up and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and toasted pine nuts.

Culinary Glossary

This section provides concise definitions of key ingredients and techniques to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills related to this recipe. Check out the live Culinary Glossary here.

Ingredients

• Ground Turkey - Lean minced turkey meat, often used as a healthier alternative to beef or pork. It provides a lighter flavor while still being high in protein.
• Panko Breadcrumbs - Light, crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs used to add texture and bind ingredients in meatballs, keeping them tender. They work way better than regular breadcrumbs by making the meatballs more moist.
• Shawarma Spice Blend - A warm, aromatic mix of Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon that adds depth and complexity to the meatballs. Definitely, keep this in your pantry. Great for so many things and a shortcut to a long list of spices.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth - A flavorful liquid made from simmering chicken bones and vegetables but with reduced salt content, allowing you to control the seasoning in your dish.
• Zest - The thin, outer peel of citrus fruits like lemons, which contains aromatic oils and provides a bright, citrusy flavor to dishes without the bitterness of the pith. You can use a knife to thinly slice it off the fruit or use a zester like the Microplane.
• Garnish - A finishing touch, like fresh parsley or toasted pine nuts, added to a dish just before serving to enhance its appearance, texture, and flavor.

Techniques

• Toast - Gently heat an ingredient (in this case, pine nuts) in a dry pan until it becomes golden brown and aromatic. This enhances the flavor by releasing natural oils.
• Aromatic Paste - A mixture of flavorful ingredients (such as garlic, onion, jalapeno, and parsley) blended together to form a fragrant paste used as a seasoning base for the meatballs and soup. Almost every culture does this and calls it something different with different ingredients. For example, in my Haitian culture, we call this epis.
• Air Fry - A cooking method that uses hot air circulation to "fry" food, creating a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. I suggest investing in one if you have not already. Perfect for any sized kitchen.
• Simmer - Cook a liquid just below boiling point, where small bubbles gently form on the surface. This technique is used to develop flavor without overcooking or breaking down ingredients too quickly.

See the turkey meatball soup recipe card for quantities.

Instructions with Pictures

Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the step-by-step picture guide.

Shaping Meatball Tips

• Use a Scooper - To ensure evenly sized meatballs, use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the meat mixture. This helps you get consistent sizes for even cooking.
• Roll Gently - Lightly roll the portioned meat mixture between your palms without pressing too hard. Gently forming the balls keeps them tender and prevents them from becoming dense.
• Chill if Needed - If the meat mixture feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to handle.
• Keep Your Hands Damp - Wet your hands slightly with water or oil to prevent the meat from sticking to your palms while rolling.
• Aim for Uniform Size - Try to keep each meatball about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Evenly-sized meatballs cook more uniformly, so none are overcooked or undercooked.

Substitutions

Dairy Free

• ​This easy soup recipe is already dairy-free.

Gluten-Free

• Panko Bread Crumbs - Try gluten-free panko, such as Aleia's Gluteen Free Real Panko or Kikkoman's Gluten-Free Panko Style Coating.

Vegetarian

• Ground Turkey - Use crumbled extra-firm tofu.  
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth - Try low-sodium vegetable broth.

Convenience

• Shawarma Spice Blend - Don't have it?  Try combining a mixture mainly of cumin and paprika.  Add some cinnamon, coriander, and turmeric with a hint of clove, cardamom, sumac, cayenne pepper, and ginger.
• Jalapeno - Use red pepper flakes instead.
• Kale - Try substituting with our favorite greens, like collard greens or spinach.

Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.

Variations

• ​White Beans - Make this soup more hearty with your favorite beans, such as cannellini beans.
• Cheesy - Top this soup with fresh, grated parmesan cheese.
• Chicken Meatballs - Instead of lean ground turkey meat, use ground chicken.
• Or Beef - If you are just a beef person, keep it closer to the healthier sound by using lean ground beef with bone broth.
• Pasta - Close to the end of the soup's completion, finish it with one cup of orzo pasta for every four servings.
• Other Greens - If you make this soup between the late summer and fall, use Swiss chard for a delightful twist.

Equipment

• Dutch Oven - A heavy-bottom pot to make the soup.  If you do not have an air fryer, you can also cook the meatballs in a large pot for a true one-pot meal.  I developed this recipe using the Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven.
• Food Processor - To conveniently chop the aromatics for both the soup base and hearty turkey meatballs.  In the tutorials, you will see that I used the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper.
• Air Fryer - Used for quickly searing and cooking the meatballs before adding them to the soup.  As mentioned before, if you do not have an air fryer, brown and cook the meatballs straight in a large pot or large frying pan, or use your oven by placing them on a sheet pan with or without a wire rack at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 minutes.
• Medium Scoop - This is great if you are great at scooping by eye!  But for convenience, you can use a portion scooper; these come in three. I used a medium-sized scooper for this recipe.

Kitchen Must Haves - Find other tools I use here.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator - To store the soup in the fridge, place it in a shallow 2-inch container to cool it down quickly. Then, store it in an airtight container.  As a result, the meal will last up to four days.
• Freezer - Follow the refrigeration process mentioned above.  Then, place it in a labeled, airtight container or resealable freezer bag flat in the freezer.
• Reheating - Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it's too thick, and heat gently to avoid overcooking the meatballs.

Airtight Food Containers - I interchange glass food storage containers with plastic clipping lids or wooden push-ins. I always suggest glass storage containers because they can be microwaved, they hold food without staining, and the glass keeps the food at a more stable temperature, keeping it fresher and longer. 

Try the OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Rectangle Food Storage Containers or the Pyrex Freshlock Glass Food Storage Containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Globally- Inspired Soup Recipes

Looking for other soup recipes like this? Try these: 

Turkey Recipes

Looking for other turkey recipes like this? Try these: 

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