Coconut Curry Meatball Orzo Soup

Looking for the perfect warming comforting meal? Enter: Coconut Curry Meatball Orzo Soup—Packed with garlic, ginger, creamy coconut milk, kale + aromatic curry powder to add depth to every spoonful, this soup is a burst of exotic flavors. Topped off with delicious plant-based meatballs and a satisfying bite from the orzo, it's a ONE-POT dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. Completely Dairy-free, Vegan. Gluten-free + Slow Cooker Option.

Lately, I've been really into vegan/plant-based meatballs + soups. So, I figured, why not combine them into a warm, comforting meal? This Coconut Curry Meatball Orzo Soup is bold in flavor, packed with spice + color—plus, I've always had a soft spot for coconut curry flavors. And orzo? It's got this unique shape and texture that makes the soup extra hearty. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a Meatless Monday treat. Give it a try—it's seriously delicious!

This recipe was born from the fusion of two of my recipe favorites: Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry and Spicy Curry Vegan Meatballs + Orzo. While I usually made my own meatballs, this time, I opted for store-bought vegan ones to keep things simple. Trust me, the combination may sound a bit random, but it truly works like magic.

This dish is totally meatless, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly, with a gluten-free option. You can totally make it your own—swap in regular meatballs if you're into that! It's quick to whip up, ready in under an hour, and packs a punch with bold flavor combos + lots of textures. Don't forget to serve it with some naan bread for dipping—because why not, right?

And, if you're a curry lover like me, you might also dig my Spicy Curry Pumpkin Soup with Chickpeas, Weeknight Jamaican Curry Chicken + Gnocchi or Vegan Pumpkin Curry Butternut Squash. Oh, and these Flaky Jamaican Curry Chickpea Kale Veggie Patties? They're next level!

What Is Orzo?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that often gets mistaken for rice due to its similar size + shape. Despite its pasta nature, orzo is incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes--- some of my faves are BBQ Jerk Lobster + Garlic Herb Orzo, Spicy Curry Vegan Meatballs + Orzo and One Skillet Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo. It makes a great addition to soups + salads.

How To Make Coconut Curry Meatball Orzo Soup

This meatless meal can all be done in one pot! Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté onions, ginger, and garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add meatballs, sear until charred. Stir in spices, Tamari, veggie stock, coconut milk, orzo, and kale. Simmer 15-20 minutes until meatballs are cooked and orzo is tender. Note: Soup thickens as orzo cooks!

Ingredients

SOUP:

• Plant-based meatballs. I like to use Gardein. These add protein and a meaty texture to the soup, making it more satisfying and filling.
• Extra virgin olive oil. For sauteeing, you could also use avocado or grapeseed oil.
• Onion, garlic cloves + ginger. These aromatic ingredients form the flavor base of the soup, adding depth and complexity!
• Tamari sauce. You can sub with soy sauce, if desired
• Curry powder + red curry paste. These spices bring the vibrant and bold flavors of curry to the soup.
• Sea salt + black pepper. Helps to round out the flavors.
• Turmeric powder. Adds a beautiful yellow color and has powerful medicinal properties.
• Vegetable stock. Whole Foods has a great organic option! organic.
• Full-fat coconut milk. Adds creaminess and richness to the soup, while also imparting a subtle coconut flavor.
• Dried orzo. This pasta adds a delightful texture to the soup, making it heartier and more satisfying. Opt for a Gluten-free Orzo to make it GF.
• Kale. Destemmed + chopped. Adds a pop of color, texture, and nutrition to the soup
• Red pepper flakes. Optional garnish that adds a hint of heat

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SOUP!

Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Coconut Curry Meatball Orzo Soup. Everything from my fave baking sheet, skillet, mixing bowls, cooking thongs, cooking utensils, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Why You Will LOVE This Coconut Curry Meatball Orzo Soup

• Bursting with exotic coconut curry flavors.
• Hearty + satisfying with plant-based meatballs.
• Tender orzo pasta adds such a nice bite + texture.
• Great for Meatless Mondays or any weeknight meal.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day.
• Can be made gluten-free with the right choice of orzo.
• A one-pot wonder—minimal cleanup required!

What To Serve Alongside This Coconut Curry Soup?

This Coconut Curry Meatball Orzo Soup is totally hearty and filling all on its own, but if you want to add some sides, here are my favorites:

To kick off, there's nothing quite like dipping into the creamy curry goodness of this soup with some warm naan bread or delicious garlic bread. If you decided to skip the orzo in this recipe, pairing it with basmati or brown rice would be a fantastic option. Another favorite of mine is serving it alongside my Flaky Jamaican Curry Chickpea Kale Veggie Patties for a delightful curry night spread with the family!

How To Cook This Coconut Curry Soup In A Slow Cooker?

Making this soup in the slow cooker is a breeze and makes for a hands-off, delicious meal. Just sauté some garlic, ginger, and onions, then toss everything, including the sautéed meatballs, into your slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours, giving it a stir now and then. Super easy and super tasty!

Homemade Meatless Meatballs vs. Store-bought!

While I'm not usually one to opt for store-bought frozen foods, I totally get the appeal of convenience. If you're considering store-bought, I highly recommend the brand Gardein.

However, if you're up for making your own, you can try out my Homemade Vegan Meatballs from my Easy Flavorful Rigatoni Meatball Soup recipe. I use a blend of quinoa + chickpeas. I know, it might sound a bit unconventional since many recipes use zucchini or mushrooms, but I find the combination of quinoa and chickpeas super easy and delicious.

Coconut Curry Meatball Orzo Soup Q + A's

Comforting Soup Recipes to Try!

If you are a fan of my Coconut Curry Meatball Orzo Soup, try these, too!

• Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup
• Easy Flavorful Rigatoni Meatball Soup
• Creamy Vegan White Bean Soup
• Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
• Vegan Tuscan Kale Chickpea Soup
• Vegan Cheesy Carrot Soup
• Creamy Roasted Garlic Tortellini Soup
• Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup
• Creamy Cajun Pumpkin Tortellini Soup

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Coconut Curry Meatball Orzo Soup recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Coconut Curry Meatball Orzo Soup

February 22, 2024 •

By Shanika

5 from 1 vote

Looking for the perfect warming comforting meal? Enter: Coconut Curry Meatball Orzo Soup—Packed with garlic, ginger, creamy coconut milk, kale + aromatic curry powder to add depth to every spoonful, this soup is a burst of exotic flavors. Topped off with delicious plant-based meatballs and a satisfying bite from the orzo, it's a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. Completely Dairy-free, Vegan + Gluten-free Option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

Serves: 4 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

SOUP:

• 1 (13 oz.) package plant-based meatballs (I like to use Gardein)
• 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 2 tsps Tamari sauce (You can sub with soy sauce, if desired)
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 4 cups vegetable stock, organic
• 1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk
• ½ cup dried orzo
• 1 cup chopped kale
• red pepper flakes, as garnish

Instructions

TO MAKE THE SOUP:

• In a medium-sized dutch oven pot over medium high-heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped onions, minced ginger, and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add in the meatballs and sear on all sides until they begin to char slightly. Add the curry powder, turmeric, red curry paste, salt, black pepper, Tamari sauce, veggie stock, coconut milk, orzo, and chopped kale, stirring everything together until combined. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for another 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the orzo pasta is tender.
• NOTE: The soup will thicken as the pasta cooks, which is why you only need ½ cup of orzo.
• Remove from heat and serve immediately into prepared bowl(s) and with a side of garlic bread or Naan bread, if desired.
• Bon Appétit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, for optimal freshness. Can also be frozen for 4-6 months. To defrost, simply place soup in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before re-heating on the stove top to serve.
• SLOW COOKER OPTION: To make this soup in the slow cooker, simply sauté garlic, ginger, and onions before adding everything (including sautéed meatballs) into your slow cooker and cooking on a low setting for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally. 
• TURMERIC: You can actually use only turmeric for the curry sauce, if desired. While using just turmeric is optional, it definitely has benefits: powerful medicinal properties, natural anti-inflammatory ingredient, increases antioxidant activity in the body, and more.
• VEGAN MEATBALLS: If you don't want to make Homemade Vegan Meatballs, you can always use store-bought ones. Gardein has a great option!
• OIL: If you'd like to use an alternative to olive oil, you can also use melted vegan butter, coconut oil, or grapeseed oil.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 1701mg | Potassium: 162mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2783IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 1mg

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