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KITCHEN JOURNAL / 007

Pomodoro basil
orzo soup.

A fresh tomato-and-basil soup made rich with silky orzo and hand-rolled spicy Italian sausage meatballs.

Cooked at homeNew York CityAugust 2026
A bowl of pomodoro basil orzo soup with spicy Italian sausage meatballs
The finished bowl / MRC TABLE

This one begins with the ingredients that make late-summer cooking feel effortless: ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, parsley, and just enough heat.

The tomatoes and basil become a bright pomodoro base; the spicy Italian sausage is seasoned, rolled by hand, and cooked as small meatballs. Orzo brings everything together, releasing enough starch to give the soup its comforting, almost creamy body.

Fresh tomatoes, basil, and parsley on a cutting board
01 / The beginningFresh tomatoes and herbs.
Spicy Italian sausage mixture seasoned with herbs and breadcrumbs
02 / The mixtureSeasoned spicy Italian sausage.
Hand-rolled spicy Italian sausage meatballs ready to cook
03 / Hand rolledSmall meatballs, ready for the pan.

AT THE STOVE / 004

Built in layers.

Blend the pomodoro base until smooth, cook the meatballs, then let the orzo finish in the soup so every piece absorbs the tomato, basil, and spice.

05

Cooking notes

The details that
make the bowl.

Pomodoro base
Fresh tomatoes, basil, aromatics, and a smooth blend.
The meatballs
Spicy Italian sausage, herbs, seasoning, and breadcrumbs.
The texture
Orzo cooked directly in the soup for a rich, silky finish.
The final touch
Fresh basil folded in at the end.
Fresh tomatoes, basil, onion, and aromatics in a blender
Pomodoro and basil, ready to blend.
Pomodoro basil orzo soup and meatballs cooking in a pot
The orzo thickens the soup as it cooks.

FROM MY KITCHEN

Fresh, spicy, comforting—
and absolutely worth sharing.
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