Brrr!
Winter, I know that you are on your way, but I must admit I’m not ready for you!
I felt you during this morning’s 6 mile run when my typically fluid stride was slowed by the wind and brisk temperatures. And the fact that the only things keeping me company during my run were the sun and 2 baby deer.
Let’s not forget the frost that I had to clear off of my car before heading into work. Since your arrival is inevitable, I am making the best of it by making soup. A tasty new one at that!
This recipe comes from a Weight Watchers cookbook, so you can guarantee that it is chock full of veggies.
I was actually checking out another recipe in the comfort food cookbook when I stumbled upon this soup. The actual recipe called for meatballs, so I subbed in turkey meat for the red meat, which was a quick and easy fix.
There’s nothing better than a healthy and hearty homemade lunch.
Wouldn’t you agree???
I was thrilled to dig into a big bowl for lunch.
And the leftovers will make a filling weekday lunch. According to the cookbook, this recipe freezes well too!
I am feeling warmer already! Which is nice after a slow-ish morning run.
Are you admiring the bright orange side I had with my lunch?
It’s my first batch of homemade butternut squash fries and they are T-A-S-T-Y!
Winter, no rush in reaching Chicago this December but when you get here, I will be ready…with soup in the freezer and more recipes to try.
Turkey Meatball and Barley Soup
From the Weight Watchers Pure Comfort Cookbook
Serving size: 1 1/2 cup soup and 4 meatballs
Ingredients
1/2 pound lean ground turkey
1 tsp ground basil
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp table salt
2 large leeks cleaned and chopped (white and light green parts only)
2 carrots, chopped
5 garlic cloves, sliced
1 tsp ground thyme
1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
29 oz low sodium chicken or veggie broth (I used a 32 ounce container)
1/4 cup canned tomato paste
1/3 cup uncooked barley*
Directions
To make the meatballs, combine the turkey, basil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2tsp pepper in a medium bowl. Form into 16 balls. Heat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning, until browned, about 4 minutes. Set aside.
Reheat the skillet and spray with cooking spray set over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, carrots, garlic, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, 3-4 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to release their liquid and the vegetables soften, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the broth, tomato paste, and the remaining salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the mushrooms are tender, about ten minutes.
Stir in the barley and cook, covered, until almost tender, about ten minutes (see note below). Add the meatballs and cook, covered, until heated through, about 5 minutes.
*The recipe calls for quick cooking barley. I had the regular kind at home, so I let me soup simmer for 40 minutes instead of 10 minutes. Then stirred in my meatballs and let them warm for about 10 minutes.
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this soup looks so comforting! and those b-nut squash fries, I want!
I use olive oil that we got from Italy as a gift. I thnk it made the ‘fries’ even better because I couldn’t stop eating them!
gosh this looks good! Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I am so happy to share it. This is a different soup than I’ve made in the past and I loved how it all came together. Thanks for the comment!
yummmmm this looks so good! Fall/Winter food for sure. My favorite is a great soup in the winter months. I’m going to have to use this! And fries I’ve been trying to make some of these myself!
You definitely should make them. I bet your kids would eat them too! I’m sure there will be plenty of soups coming your way this season and I can’t wait to see what everyone else is making too. Thanks for the comment!
yeah to soups!!!
Butternut squash fries sound like a winner. Going to give those a try for sure.
You definitely should! I need to post the ‘recipe’ or lack there of here soon because they were amzing!
Ohh those fries!! YUM! This soup looks whoa hearty and perfect for a cold day.
It was! I can’t wait to slice into another butternut squash for more fries!
I love homemade soup. I’ve always wanted to make Italian Wedding Soup. This looks so filling for winter.
It was so hearty and I loved it! I’m impressed with how flavorful it is! Hooray for homemade soup!
This looks so filling and perfect for winter/fall 🙂
Bring on the soup!!! I’m enjoying a giant bowl of soup now and seeing this made me smile!!
I can’t wait to see what you are making this winter. I love me some soup and can’t wait to try more new and fabulous recipes!
It’s cold here today (and esp cold in my office) and that soup looks so warm and delicious!
It was an even better soup than I expected. I think you will love it too!
The soup looks fabulous…love all the beautiful and brightly colored veggies. Leeks are the bomb.
Isn’t freezing soup great. One night when you’re tired and don’t feel like cooking, you just pull it out. I have probably 6 frozen soups, stews, and chili containers and am working on making more.
Me too! I am stocking up for the winter. This was the first time that I’ve ever cooked with leeks and I loved them. They will be making more of an appearance on the blog for sure! Thanks for the comment!
Your first time with leeks?! Nice! Basically, you can sub them in almost anytime you see diced onion. Those suckers are dirty between the layers though. Don’t worry it’s normal so you definitely want to wash them well. Or just eat dirt soup. 😉
Ha ha!
I did see all of the dirt and I think I got most of it : )
Cheers to you for keeping up the running, despite the colder temps!! I’m feeling inspired 🙂
Also, those butternut squash fries look awwwwwwesome. I’m obsessed w/ sweet potato fries, so I think I’d gobbles these up too. Recipe coming soon perhaps? 😉
Yes…recipe to come! It’s been a busy week at work but I am dreaming of those fries. I’m hoping to make more this weekend. I actually thought ot mix them in with sweet potatos…I think that would be an awesome combo!
Your recipes are amazing, that soup looks so good! I am obsessed with leeks so thats my favorite part 🙂 Yum!
Thanks for the comment!
You will love the soup. The leeks are fantastic and it is super filling!
[…] Because I’m sure you’d like more out of this post then just my meals for the week, here by request, is the ‘recipe’ for Butternut Squash Fries… […]
Totally making this! Perfect on a cold Minnesota evening!
Yes! It is an awesome soup! Enjoy it!