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Argentinian Meatball Soup
 

Argentinian Meatball Soup


For simplicity, the meatballs are poached right in the soup rather than browning them first. This method ensures the meatballs are meltingly tender and minimizes the need for oil in the recipe. Use a sodium-reduced chicken broth for salt-conscious cooking.

Prep:  20 minutes Cooking:  25 minutes
1 tsp (5 mL) olive oil
1 cup (250 mL) chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp (2 mL) chili powder
1 container (900 mL) Sodium-reduced or regular chicken broth
1 cup (250 mL) EACH rinsed drained canned black beans and frozen corn
1 cup (250 mL) sliced grape tomatoes
Chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges

Meatballs:
   
12 oz (375 g) Extra Lean or Lean Ground Beef
½ cup (125 mL) whole wheat bread crumbs
¼ cup (50 mL) bottled salsa
¼ cup (50 mL) chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup (50 mL) EACH grated carrot and finely chopped green onions
½ tsp (2 mL) EACH chili powder and ground cumin


1. Meatballs: Combine beef, bread crumbs, salsa, cilantro, carrot, green onions, chili powder and cumin in medium bowl. Shape by level tablespoonfuls (15 mL) into meatballs. Set aside.
2. Heat oil large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic and chili powder; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth and bring to boil. Add meatballs and return to simmer; cover and simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until digital rapid-read thermometer inserted into several meatballs reads 160°F (71°C). Add black beans, corn and tomatoes; heat through. Serve garnished with cilantro and lime wedges to squeeze over top.


Makes 6 servings.

Per Serving (based on Extra Lean, sodium-reduced broth)
: Calories 192, Protein 17 g, Fat 6 g, Carbohydrate 18 g, Fibre 4 g, Sodium 603 mg
Good source of iron (19% DV) and excellent source of zinc (34% DV)


Variation

Italian Meatball Soup: For Meatballs: Replace salsa with 3 tbsp (45 mL) Italian-flavoured tomato paste and 1 tbsp (15 mL) water. Replace cilantro with chopped fresh parsley. Replace chili powder and cumin with ½ tsp (2 mL) crushed dried Italian seasoning. (Note: If using plain tomato paste, increase Italian seasoning to 1 tsp/5 mL.) For Soup: Replace chili powder with crushed dried Italian seasoning. Add 1/3 cup (75 mL) dried orzo or alphabet pasta once broth is simmering. Replace black beans with frozen peas (if desired). Omit corn. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley and pepper.

Per Serving: Calories 181, Protein 16 g, Fat 6 g, Carbohydrate 16 g, Fibre 2 g, Sodium 453 mg
Good source of iron (16% DV) and excellent source of zinc (33% DV).