Spinach and White Bean "Meatball" Soup

This is one of those soups that is easy to make, uses only one pot and is healthy!  The textures of the rice/orzo mixed in with the veggies and herbs makes for a cozy meal.  This can be served up for lunch or is hearty enough to have as a meal for dinner.  This has a little kick to it to warm the spirit.  
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Serves 6
Total Time: 35 min. 

Nutritional Information:
239 kcal (estimate) 

 Cannabis Infusion: ​
  • My preferred method for this recipe would be to add some canna-oil to my broth and blend well
  • You can also add in a dab of your pre-made canna-butter to the potency you prefer.  Adding a dollop of butter doesn't change the taste if you only add in a tablespoon or two
  • For a mild infusion, add a bit of your canna-infused olive oil right before serving 
The Stuff You'll Need:  ​
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 4 cups veggie stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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 For the "Meat" Balls 
  • 1 pound Impossible Burger 
  • 1/3 cup Panko
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  1. In a large bowl, combine Impossible Burger, Panko, Parmesan, oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder and red pepper flakes, if using; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Using a wooden spoon or clean hands, stir until well combined. Roll the mixture into 3/4-to-1-inch meatballs, forming about 25-30 meatballs.

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add meatballs, in batches, and cook until all sides are browned, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.
 
  1. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the stockpot. Add garlic, onion and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in thyme and basil until fragrant, about 1 minute.
 
  1. Whisk in veggie stock, bay leaves and 1 cup water; bring to a boil. Stir in orzo and meatballs; reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender and meatballs are cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
 
  1. Stir in spinach and cannellini beans until the spinach has wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and parsley; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
 
  1. Serve immediately.