Spiced Beef Risoni Soup

This spiced beef and risoni soup is a perfect bowl of hearty comfort food.

I simply adored this soup. To me, it was the ultimate in one pot deliciously hearty comfort food. The added spice of the chili and cayenne pepper added that extra hint of heat which warmed the body from the inside out. I ate this three nights in a row.

This soup was one of those "what's left in my cupboard??" type deals. We were getting set to move out of our old house right before setting off on our Christmas holidays. The cupboards were getting a little bare. Whatever I had left went into the pot. I cannot believe I went so long without making this soup! Definitely a new favorite.

Now, I'll admit that I love my food spicy. And this soup is just that. If you aren't so keen on the spice, or to create a truly family-friendly one-pot wonder either dial down the spicy elements or just omit altogether. Maybe swap out the chili for a bell pepper, and 1 tsp of dried mixed herbs in place of the cayenne.

Spiced Beef Risoni Soup

Serves 4

400 g ground beef

1 egg, lightly whisked

1/3 Cup wholemeal breadcrumbs

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1 red chili, finely diced

1 tsp cayenne pepper

2 x 400 g tins diced tomatoes

1 cup risoni/orzo

2 1/2 cups salt reduced beef stock

1 Tbsp Sriracha or other hot sauce

salt and pepper to taste

1. Make the meatballs by combining the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, and half of the garlic in chili in a bowl and rolling teaspoon sized portions of the mixture into balls.

2. Heat a large saucepan over a medium-high heat with a dash of oil. Brown the meatballs and add the remaining garlic and chili. Cook for a few minutes. Add the cayenne pepper.

3. Add the tomatoes, risoni, stock, and hot sauce. Bring to a rolling boil and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve in big bowls with a side of crusty bread.