Gluten-Free Persian Wedding Soup

Name: Gluten-Free Persian Wedding Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 medium onions, chopped; 8 oz carrots, chopped; 1 small bulb fennel, thinly sliced, green tops discarded; 6 leaves Swiss chard, stems and leaves chopped separately; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp ground turmeric; 6 cups stock, any type; 3 oz gluten-free pasta, any small shape; 20 Persian meatballs, approximate; 2 tsp lemon juice; 3 Tbsp flat-leaf parsley, leaves torn; plain or Greek yogurt, for serving; 1/4 cup medium onions, finely diced or grated; 1 eggs; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs; 1 lb ground beef, preferably 85-90% lean; parchment paper, for baking

A warming Persian soup featuring tender spiced meatballs simmered with aromatic vegetables like fennel, carrots, and Swiss chard in a fragrant turmeric-infused broth. The combination of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon in the meatballs creates authentic Middle Eastern flavors, while the addition of pasta makes this a hearty, complete meal. Perfect for family dinners or when you want to use leftover meatballs in a new way, this comforting soup is served with fresh herbs and creamy yogurt for a satisfying finish.

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Level: medium
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

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Gluten-Free Nut-Free

Ingredients

4 servings

1 medium onions, chopped
8 oz carrots, chopped
1 small bulb fennel, thinly sliced, green tops discarded
6 leaves Swiss chard, stems and leaves chopped separately
baby kale or baby spinach1:1vegetarian
milder flavor
Full guide →
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground turmeric
6 cups stock, any type
3 oz gluten-free pasta, any small shape
regular pasta1:1none
contains gluten
20 Persian meatballs, approximate
2 tsp lemon juice
3 Tbsp flat-leaf parsley, leaves torn
plain or Greek yogurt, for serving
¼ cup medium onions, finely diced or grated
1 eggs
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
1 lb ground beef, preferably 85-90% lean
ground turkey or lamb1:1healthhalal
different flavor profile
Full guide →
parchment paper, for baking

Method

7 steps

1
Heat Dutch oven or large saucepan with oil over medium-high heat
2
Add onions, carrots, fennel, and Swiss chard stems to heated oil and saute until very tender and lightly browned, seasoning with salt as they cook
3
Add garlic and turmeric and stir until fragrant
4
Pour stock into pot and bring to a simmer
5
Stir in pasta, meatballs, and Swiss chard leaves when stock is simmering and cook until pasta is tender
6
Remove soup from heat and stir in lemon juice, then taste and season with salt and pepper
7
Divide soup between bowls and garnish with parsley and yogurt

Tips

Tip 1

Add water to the pan if vegetables start to look dry while sauteing to prevent burning

Tip 2

Save fennel tops for garnish by chopping them finely and sprinkling over the finished soup

Tip 3

Check pasta package directions for exact cooking time to avoid overcooking

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days in airtight container

Make Ahead

Meatballs can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated

Serve With

Serve hot with yogurt and fresh herbs

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overcook pasta to avoid mushy texture

Watch

Season vegetables as they cook to build flavor layers

Substitutions

Swiss chard→

baby kale or baby spinach1:1vegetarian

milder flavor

Full guide →

ground beef→

ground turkey or lamb1:1healthhalal

different flavor profile

Full guide →

gluten-free pasta→

regular pasta1:1none

contains gluten

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, freeze for up to 3 months but pasta may become softer when reheated. Consider adding fresh pasta when reheating.

What if I don't have fennel?

Substitute with celery for similar crunch and mild flavor, or add more carrots and onions for bulk.

Can I use pre-made meatballs?

Absolutely! Use any cooked meatballs you have on hand, adding them during the last 5 minutes to heat through.