This soup brings together some lovely Moroccan flavors in a delicious broth with scrumptious chicken meatballs. With so many bold flavors packed into this recipe, you do not actually have to do that much work. Meatball Couscous soup is going to be a big hit and makes for a perfect weeknight meal.
For this recipe you will want to use Pearl – sometimes called Israeli – Couscous. This is the larger version of this type of pasta. If you use the teeny tiny version, the soup is just not going to come out the same. You could alternatively use orzo if you cannot find pearl couscous. At my grocer the couscous is in the bulk section. I have also seen it closer to the rice than the pasta in some stores – though it is in fact pasta.
Meatball Couscous Soup is a perfect dinner for the colder months. The turmeric has great health benefits and can help to boost your immune system as well as anti-inflammatory effects. You might not be used to seeing nutmeg in a savory soup, but it is so good. Nutmeg brings a nutty warmth to the meatballs as well as adds to the health benefits of this brothy soup.
I like to make the meatballs smaller, so that they are easier to eat with a soup. I use my 1 inch scoop to portion out the meatballs and then roll them in my hands to get good shape on them. If you want the broth to soak into the meatballs more, I suggest cutting them in half before ladling the broth over the top.
This is a lighter soup so you might want to have a side dish idea. But on the other hand, this soup doesn’t really keep well, as the couscous will start to dissolve if left in the broth too long. You could do a nice crusty bread, warmed up with some soft butter. You could also do a simple salad with a vinaigrette.
Now Let’s Get Cookin’!
Meatball Couscous Soup
Ingredients
- 1 Shallot finely chopped
- 3 Garlic Cloves finely chopped
- 3 tbsp Oil divided
- 1 tbsp Thyme
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 2 qts Chicken Broth
- 2 qts Water divided
- 2 cups Pearl Couscous
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
For the Chicken Meatballs
- 2 lb Ground Chicken
- 1 cup Panko
- 2 tsp Tumeric
- 2 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Nutmeg
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium high heat, add two tablespoons oil, shallots, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper and turmeric. Once sauted, add chicken broth and one quart of water. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400degF.
- Combine meatball ingredients in a bowl. Use a 1-inch scoop to portion out meatballs (shape with your hands as needed). Line out on a baking rack over a parchment paper covered baking sheet. Place in oven to bake for 20 minutes.
- In a large sauce pan, add 3 cups of water and one tablespoon of oil. Bring to a rolling boil. Add couscous, cover pot and move off of heat. Let sit until meatballs are finished.
- Stir couscous into broth. Add 6-8 meatballs to a bowl and ladle soup over top. Garnish with parsley.
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Estelle Forrest self-published this cookbook after a lot of playing around in the kitchen. You can purchase your own copy here:
AVAILABLE IN PRINT OR KINDLE eBOOK VERSIONS
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That looks yummy! In our grocery store the couscous is near the rice as well.
Good to know! Almost every Couscous recipe I share someone says they cannot find it in their store. Turns out they just didn’t look in the right spot. I hope you enjoy this recipe
This looks like a great combination. It sounds delicious!
Thank you!
Wow! This soup is so soothing and perfect for the weather. Wholesome meal for me!
It’s so good for a cold day
Oh boy Estelle, this sounds so YUMMY! Pinned 📌
Visiting today from ge•ner•ic Linkup Party 7 #23&24.
With days getting colder, this recipe will come in very handy.
Oh I love soup season and this is one I’ll have to add to my repertoire! Looks absolutely delicious..sure to hit the spot!
Oh man this looks good – pinned!! I have to try this! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party – hope your week has been great and we see you again tomorrow!