Barley-Leek Soup With Mini Chicken Meatballs

Submitted by ratherbeswimmin

"In 'Williams-Sonoma Soup of the Day'"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 45mins
• Ingredients: 17
• Serves: 10

ingredients

• 14.79 ml unsalted butter
• 29.58 ml olive oil
• 3 leeks, white and pale green parts, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 226.79 g cremini mushroom, slied
• 29.58 ml tomato paste
• 59.14 ml dry white wine
• 473.18 ml pearl barley
• 1892.72 ml chicken broth, plus more if needed

• Meatballs

• 453.59 g ground chicken
• 118.29 ml grated parmesan cheese
• 59.14 ml plain dried breadcrumbs
• 29.58 ml minced flat leaf parsley
• 14.79 ml tomato paste
• salt
• fresh ground pepper

• Garnish

• 118.29 ml chopped fresh parsley

directions

1. In a large, heavy pot, melt the butter with the oil over med-high heat.
2. Add the leeks and garlic and saute until very soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the tomato paste and wine, stir to combine, and cook for 4 minutes.
5. Add the barley and 8 cups broth and bring to a boil.
6. Decrease the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the barley is tender, about 45 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, to make the meatballs, preheat the oven to 375°.
8. Oil a baking sheet.
9. In a bowl, combine the chicken, Parmesan, bread crumbs, 2 tbsp parsley, and tomato paste.
10. Add 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper and stir to combine.
11. The mixture will be very sticky.
12. To form the meatballs, use two small spoons to scoop up the mixture and transfer it to the prepared sheet.
13. Bake until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the center, 10-12 minutes.
14. Add the meatballs to the soup and stir in gently.
15. If the soup is too thick, add more broth and heat through.
16. Season with salt and pepper and serve, garnished with parsley.