A hearty, one-pot Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey featuring tender meatballs, spiced tomato broth, kale, and pasta for a cozy, flavor-packed meal.
Table of Contents
Jump to:
- Easy Curry Meatball Soup Recipe
- No Stress
- Making Flavorful Turkey Meatballs
- The Purpose of an Aromatic Paste
- The Story of Adobo
- Blooming Spices for a Richer Broth
- Bringing Global Influences Together in a One-Pot Meal
- Ingredients with Steps
- Culinary Glossary
- Instructions with Pictures
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Suggested Sides
- Equipment
- Storage and Reheating
- Cooking Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Soup Recipes
- Poultry Recipes
- 📖 Recipe
- Subscribe to the YouTube Channel
- Have a Comment or Question?
Easy Curry Meatball Soup Recipe
Let me tell you, this Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey is like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in just one pot—yes, one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash (I’m already sold).
For those of you just starting learning to cook, don’t worry. This recipe is easy to follow, and you’ll be dishing out a bowl of deliciousness in no time.
No Stress
I was inspired to make this Spiced Turkey Meatball Soup because I wanted something cozy yet a bit different from the usual chicken noodle routine. Picture tender, juicy ground turkey meatballs simmered in a fragrant, spiced tomato broth, with vibrant kale and a little pasta thrown in for good measure.
The best part? It’s a One-Pot Ground Turkey Curry, which means you get all those bold, comforting flavors without turning your kitchen into a war zone.
Think of this meatball soup as the ultimate all-in-one meal: protein, veggies, and carbs swimming happily in a bowl of goodness. Plus, it’s packed with flavor without being too heavy, making it perfect for any time of the year. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Making Flavorful Turkey Meatballs
Let’s face it: ground turkey can sometimes be a little… bland. But not in this Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey! We’re packing in flavor by mixing the turkey with a vibrant aromatic paste, a generous scoop of adobo, and adobo seasoning.
The paste—loaded with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of heat—infuses the meatballs with layers of flavor, making each bite a burst of savory goodness. The adobo and adobo seasoning add that perfect blend of salty, earthy, and spicy, bringing the meatballs to life.
Trust me, once you try this combination, you'll never look at plain turkey meatballs the same way again.
The Purpose of an Aromatic Paste
An aromatic paste is the backbone of any great dish, and this soup is no exception. Think of it as a flavor bomb—onion, garlic, herbs, and peppers all blended together to create a smooth, fragrant base that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
This particular paste was inspired by epis, a traditional Haitian seasoning blend that’s essential in many Caribbean kitchens. Classic epis typically include green herbs, garlic, bell peppers, onions, and even Scotch bonnet peppers for a bit of heat. It’s a staple that brings depth and aroma to everything from stews to marinades.
Looking for authentic Haitian recipes? Check out Sendy's Cookin and Savory Thoughts.
My version is a nod to this Caribbean favorite, infusing the soup with bold, fresh flavors from the very start.
The Story of Adobo
Ah, adobo—the magical seasoning that instantly transforms any dish into something special. In the Caribbean community, adobo is essential for bringing out the best in meats, vegetables, and even soups. The term "adobo" originated from the Spanish word "adobar," which means "to marinate."
Historically, it referred to the process of preserving meats with a mixture of vinegar, salt, garlic, and spices. As Spanish colonization spread, so did the use of adobo, and it evolved into a versatile seasoning blend found throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
Today, Caribbean adobo seasoning often includes garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and turmeric, adding a punch of flavor to anything it touches. And in this Spiced Turkey Meatball Soup, it does just that.
Blooming Spices for a Richer Broth
One of the key steps in making this Curry Tomato Soup with Meatballs is blooming the spices with tomato sauce. Blooming is a technique that releases the essential oils in spices, making their flavors more robust and aromatic. In Indian cuisine, this is done by frying whole or ground spices in hot oil, often before adding other ingredients.
It’s a method that unlocks the full potential of the spices, giving the broth a deeper, richer flavor. By sautéing our spice blend with crushed tomatoes, we’re not just adding flavor—we’re enhancing it. This little step transforms the soup base, making it rich, fragrant, and utterly delicious.
Bringing Global Influences Together in a One-Pot Meal
What makes this One-Pot Ground Turkey Curry truly special is how it brings together flavors and techniques from different corners of the world. From the Caribbean-inspired aromatic paste to the traditional use of adobo, and the Indian technique of blooming spices, this soup is a celebration of rich culinary histories.
It’s a dish that highlights how food can bridge cultures, creating something new and delicious that everyone can enjoy. All these influences simmering together in one pot make for a soul-warming bowl of comfort that’s as complex as it is tasty. So, grab a spoon and dive into this global fusion of flavors!
More Delicious Recipes
- Easy and Healthy Spicy Turkey Meatball Kale Soup
- Mouthwatering Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Pine Nuts Turkey
- Turkey Meatball Wraps
- Chicken Meatballs & Israeli Couscous Vegetable Soup
- Spicy Greek Chicken Meatball Rice Bowl
Ingredients with Steps
Start by making an aromatic paste by blending onion, bell pepper, garlic, parsley, scotch bonnet pepper, adobo seasoning, and thyme until smooth. Mix a portion of this paste with lean ground turkey, breadcrumbs, seasoning, and egg to prepare the meatballs.
Heat oil in a Dutch oven, scoop, and sear the meatballs until browned, then set them aside. In the same pot, sauté the remaining paste, add spices and crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, cooking briefly to release flavors. Pour in low-sodium chicken broth, return the meatballs, and simmer.
Finally, add kale and pasta, cooking until the pasta is tender. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
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
- Epis - A traditional Haitian seasoning base made from a blend of green herbs, garlic, onions, bell peppers, and sometimes hot peppers. It serves as the flavor foundation for many Caribbean dishes.
- Dry Adobo Seasoning - A seasoning mix originating from Spain and popular throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Traditionally, adobo refers to a marinade, but modern versions are dry blends of garlic, pepper, turmeric, oregano, and other spices, used to add a burst of savory flavor to meats, soups, and stews.
- Jamaican Curry Powder - A blend of spices commonly used in Caribbean and Indian cooking. While not traditionally Caribbean, curry powder was adopted through the region's history of trade and colonization, adding warm, spiced notes to dishes like this soup.
- Ground Turkey - A lean protein source made from finely chopped turkey meat. It is a healthy, lower-fat alternative to ground beef, and its mild flavor allows it to easily absorb the seasonings in this recipe.
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper - A small, extremely hot chili pepper that is a staple in Caribbean cooking. It adds heat and a fruity, tangy flavor to dishes. When used in the aromatic paste, it brings a bold kick to the soup.
- Macaroni (or Ditalini) - Small pasta shapes that add texture and substance to the soup. They absorb the broth's flavors and make each spoonful more filling.
Technique
- Aromatic Paste - A blend of herbs, spices, and vegetables ground into a smooth mixture, used to add depth of flavor to dishes. This recipe uses a paste inspired by the Haitian seasoning blend, epis.
- Blooming Spices - A cooking technique that involves heating spices in oil to release their essential oils, enhancing their flavor and aroma. This method, often used in Indian cuisine, deepens the overall taste of a dish.
- Fond - The caramelized bits are left at the bottom of the pan after searing meat. Fond is packed with flavor and can be deglazed (lifted off the pan with liquid) to add depth to sauces, broths, and soups.
- Sear - A cooking method that involves cooking the surface of food (usually meat) at high heat until a browned crust forms. Searing meatballs before adding them to the soup helps lock in their juices and intensifies their flavor.
- Simmer - Cooking food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. Simmering allows flavors to meld and develop without overcooking the ingredients.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven - A thick-walled, usually cast-iron pot with a tight-fitting lid. Ideal for slow-cooking, braising, and making soups, as it retains and distributes heat evenly.
See the turkey meatball vegetable soup recipe card for quantities below.
Instructions with Pictures
Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the step-by-step picture guide.
The Aromatic Paste
Blend the onion, bell pepper, garlic, parsley, scotch bonnet pepper, adobo seasoning, and thyme in a food processor until smooth.
If everything doesn't fit into the food processor, ensure that the onion and parsley are blended first.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Purchased: 07/14/23
Update: 08/19/24
My Review: The KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper is a must-have in the kitchen at a great price. It’s compact, powerful, and lightweight, making meal prep easier without taking up much space. I love its one-touch operation, perfect for quickly chopping, mixing, and puréeing. Plus, it's easy to clean. Watch me use it for my Spicy Tomato Farro Risotto and Chili Herb Crusted Rainbow Trout recipes. This chopper is essential, especially if you love cooking with lots of gadgets like me!
The Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, a portion of the aromatic paste, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning for the meat mixture.
Combine the ingredients with your hand (with or without gloves).
Use a small portion scoop or tablespoon to create even mini turkey meatballs.
Heat oil in a Dutch oven before adding the meatballs to prevent sticking.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Purchased: December 10, 2023
My Review: I love the clean, classic look of this Pyrex 3-piece glass mixing bowl set—it’s a staple in my kitchen. Pyrex is known for its durability, and these bowls definitely live up to that reputation. I use them for everything from mixing batters to storing leftovers, and the fact that they’re microwave-safe makes them super multifunctional. They’re also easy to clean and stack nicely in the cabinet. The only reason this isn’t a five-star for me is because I always have that little fear of breaking them when I’m using or storing them, even though they’re made to last.
The meatballs will be ready to be turned when the edges are brown and crispy.
Brown the meatballs in batches until golden brown on all sides.
Then, transfer the meatballs into a warming dish.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Purchased: 07/29/23
Update: 08/19/24
My Review: For 125 years, Lodge Cast Iron has been a family-owned company located in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Their cookware, known for its dependability, is made of rugged, seasoned cast iron for excellent heat retention and durability. This is still my go-to Dutch oven. You'll find it in a lot of my recent videos. It's heavy, durable, non-stick, and it holds heat well. Also, a big lesson: never pre-heat an enameled Dutch oven without oil. This will crack the enamel. I learned this the hard way.
The Soup Base
In the same pot, sauté the remaining aromatic paste until fragrant to remove the raw taste.
Stir in curry powder and crushed tomatoes, cooking for a few minutes to bloom the flavors.
Combine the paste well and fry.
Allowing the spices, paste, and tomato to fry will deepen the flavor through caramelization.
The Soup
Measure the chicken broth, add it, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the seared meatballs back, along with pasta and kale, into the broth, letting them cook through.
Check the soup for flavor and add more salt or pepper if needed.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Review: I've currently switched to the ThermoWorks Hi-Temp Silicone Spatula, and it's been great. The fact that it's all silicone makes it easy just to throw it in the dishwasher and ensures that it will last a long time. It is well made, and the tip is super thin, which is great for scraping; at first, I was afraid it would crack, however it has not yet. Just be careful with it around blades. I made this mistake and have a little snip on mine, but it has not cracked around it. So it's still holding well.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free
- Yay! This soup is already Dairy-Free!
Gluten-Free
- Panko Breadcrumbs - Replace with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Pasta - Use gluten-free pasta varieties like rice-based or corn-based pasta instead of regular macaroni or ditalini.
- Adobo Seasoning - Ensure that the adobo seasoning used is gluten-free, or make your own blend to avoid hidden gluten sources.
Vegetarian
- Lean Ground Turkey - Swap the meatballs with plant-based meat alternatives or create veggie balls using a mix of lentils, mushrooms, breadcrumbs, and the aromatic paste.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth - Replace with vegetable broth to keep the dish flavorful and meat-free.
Convenience
- Ground Turkey - Substitute with ground chicken, ground beef, or plant-based meat crumbles.
- Fresh Parsley - Use dried parsley or Italian seasoning if fresh herbs aren’t available.
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper - Replace with scotch bonnet pepper sauce or a jalapeño or crushed red pepper flakes for a milder heat.
- Jamaican Curry Powder - Use any curry powder blend you have on hand, or mix turmeric, cumin, coriander, and paprika as a homemade substitute.
- Panko Breadcrumbs - Swap for regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or oats if needed.
- Kale - Substitute with fresh spinach, Swiss chard, or any other leafy greens you have in your refrigerator.
- Macaroni - Use any small pasta shape, rice, or even quinoa for a different texture.
- Adobo Seasoning - Replace with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper if adobo isn’t available.
Change Heat Level - Modify these hearty turkey meatballs with veggies recipe's heat level to your liking, and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
Variations
- Adding Beans and Vegetables - Mix in a can of drained beans (like chickpeas or black or white beans) and extra veggies such as diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
- Using Other Ground Meat - Swap the ground turkey with ground beef or chicken for a different flavor profile while keeping the same juicy, tender meatballs.
- Using Rice Instead of Noodles - Substitute the pasta with cooked rice or even wild rice for a heartier, gluten-free option that soaks up the flavorful broth.
- Topping with Cheese - Finish the soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, or even a crumbling of feta for a creamy, savory twist.
- Other Herbs for Depth of Flavor - Enhance the aromatic base by adding bay leaves during simmering or stirring in fresh cilantro just before serving for a bright, herbaceous finish.
Suggested Sides
This Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey is a meal in itself, but a few sides can make it even more satisfying. Pair it with a crisp side salad, dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil, to balance the soup’s warm, spiced flavors.
Or, serve it with slices of crusty bread to soak up the rich broth. For a lighter option, garlic breadsticks make an excellent accompaniment, perfect for dipping and enjoying every last drop.
Equipment
- Food Processor - This handy gadget is used to blend the onion, bell pepper, garlic, herbs, and spices into a smooth, aromatic paste that forms the flavor base for both the meatballs and the soup.
- Mixing Bowl - The mixing bowl holds the ground turkey, aromatic paste, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, allowing you to combine everything to form flavorful meatball mixtures.
- Dutch Oven - This heavy-duty pot is perfect for searing the meatballs, sautéing the aromatic paste, and simmering the soup. It retains and evenly distributes heat, ensuring that all the flavors meld beautifully.
- 1-Inch Portion Scoop or Tablespoon - Used to scoop the ground turkey mixture into evenly sized meatballs, ensuring they cook uniformly when added to the soup.
- Holding Container for Meatballs - After searing the meatballs, they are placed in a separate container to rest while you continue building the soup base, keeping them ready for when it’s time to simmer them in the broth.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula or Slotted Spoon - Essential for stirring the aromatic paste, spices, and soup ingredients without scratching your pot, this tool helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the dish.
- Liquid Measuring Cup - Accurate measurements are key to a well-balanced soup, so a liquid measuring cup is used to measure out the chicken broth and other liquids.
- Ladle - Once the soup is ready, the ladle helps serve perfect portions into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a generous mix of meatballs, veggies, and broth.
Kitchen Must Haves - Find other tools I use here.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator - Store any leftover Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer - For longer storage, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating - To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway,
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.
Cooking Tips
Your Cooking Tips Resource Guide - Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently on the Cook's Notebook tab.
- Hot Oil -When searing the mini turkey meatballs, make sure the oil is hot to get a nice golden brown crust without overcooking the inside.
- Uniform Meatballs - Use a small portion scoop or tablespoon to create uniform tiny meatballs, ensuring they cook evenly and quickly.
- Al Dente Pasta - Add the pasta towards the end of cooking to keep it al dente, preventing it from becoming too soft and mushy.
- Deepen Flavor - For a richer flavor, let the soup simmer a bit longer to allow all the spices and seasonings to meld together—it’s what makes this a comforting, one-pot meal.
- Spicy - If you prefer a spicier kick, keep the seeds in the scotch bonnet pepper when blending the aromatic paste, but use caution if you’re new to handling hot peppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey can be prepared in under an hour, making it a perfect, quick weeknight meal.
The mini meatballs should have a golden brown exterior, which indicates they’re properly seared and ready to be added to the soup.
You can swap the pasta for whole grain or gluten-free varieties and load up on extra vegetables to make it one of your go-to healthy soups.
Cook the pasta until just al dente during the initial preparation; this way, it will still have the perfect bite when reheated.
Serve this comfort food with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Soup Recipes
Looking for other soup recipes like this? Try these:
Poultry Recipes
Looking for other ground turkey recipes like this? Try these:
- Jerk Fajita Trio: 3 Must-Try Recipes for a Spicy Weeknight Cook-Up
- Air Fryer Chicken and Pork Belly Tacos | Easy & Crispy
- Easy Sheet Pan Jerk Chicken Fajitas | Oven-Roasted Yum
- Quick Spicy Potstickers | Chili Momo Tibetan Style
📖 Recipe
One-Pot Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey and Kale
Ingredients
For the Aromatic Paste
- 1 small onion
- 1 small green bell pepper
- 4 cloves garlic
- ½ bunch fresh parsley
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper seeded; use ¼ to ½ for less heat
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme 2 springs thyme - leaves
- 2 tablespoons adobo seasoning
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican curry powder
- 1 can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes 14-ounce can
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup macaroni or or ditalini or short pastas
- 2 cups kale roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Equipment
- Holding Container
- Wooden Spoon (Or spatula)
Instructions
- Save time in the kitchen: Read the instructions thoroughly, then gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking! Learn Prepping Tips.
- Make the Aromatic Paste: In a food processor, combine the onion, green bell pepper, garlic, parsley, scotch bonnet pepper, adobo seasoning, and dried thyme. Process until it forms a smooth paste and set it aside.
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey with ¼th of the aromatic paste, panko breadcrumbs, adobo seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Using a small 1-inch portion scoop (or tablespoon) to form uniform meatballs: Scoop and add the meatballs in batches, searing them on all sides until browned but not fully cooked through about 4-5 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set aside. Keep an eye on the oil, we do not want the fond, cooked bits to turn black. Lower the heat if necessary.
- Build the Soup Base: In the same Dutch oven, add the remaining half of the aromatic paste and sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the Jamaican curry powder, and crushed fire-roasted tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes to bloom the spices.
- Add the Broth and Meatballs: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Gently return the meatballs to the Dutch oven and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Add the Pasta and Kale: Stir in the kale and pasta and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the curry meatball soup into bowls and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Why scoop and add the meatballs? This gives the pot to stay at the ultimate temperature compared to making the meatballs ahead of time on a sheet tray and then placing them in, plus it cuts back on prep time.
- Even Browning: If you notice only one side of the pot browning, turn the pot 360° for even browning instead of moving the meatballs that are searing.
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 handful fresh parsley
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (seeded if less heat is desired)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Nutrition
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel
SUBSCRIBE: 👈To my YouTube Channel to Get Notifications of New Videos.
Have a Comment or Question?
If you have a question or comment about this recipe, please post it below. You will definitely get a quick response. It also helps our other readers to stay informed. Thanks!
Leave a Reply