Hearty Turkey Meatball Broccoli Soup

Day 1 of maternity leave is officially here!! I get a month off before baby boy arrives, assuming he doesn't come too early. So I'm getting ready for him and getting ready to be a mom! 

In between doctors appointments, massages, manicures and pedicures, I'll be doing a good amount of cooking, I assume. To kick it off, I've got this hearty meatball soup recipe. It's the bomb. 

Okay, now send wishes my way that baby boy doesn't come too early! 

Hearty Turkey Meatball Broccoli Soup
makes 1 large pot of soup

for the meatballs
1/2 lb ground dark turkey meat
1/2 lb ground light turkey meat (or 1 lb of either)
1 large egg
1/2 cup Parmesan
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper

for the soup
2 celery stalks + some leaves (diced)
2 medium carrots (diced)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 crowns broccoli + stalks (finely diced)
6 cups low sodium or homemade chicken broth
4 cups water
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
salt and pepper

Start by making the meatballs. Combine everything in a mixing bowl with your hands until it forms a cohesive ball. Add more breadcrumbs if it doesn't stick together enough. Form into small meatballs, about 3/4 inch. Set aside on a plate.

In a Dutch oven or large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add celery, carrots and onion with a dash of salt and pepper. Let cook down for 7-8 minutes. Add the tomato paste and combine before adding broccoli. You want the broccoli to be in super tiny pieces. Easy to eat in soup. Let the flavors combine for 4 minutes, adding a touch more salt and pepper. 

Add in the crushed red pepper flakes and bay leaf. Now add the broth and water scraping the bottom of the pan to get up any brown bits. Add some more salt and pepper to season everything. Turn heat up to high and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and add meatballs. 

Let meatballs simmer in broth over low heat for 45 minutes. Taste broth and add more salt if necessary. 

Serve with some freshly grater Parmesan.