Albondigas Soup, Italian style, is a delicious and hearty soup that combines the flavors of Italian cuisine with the comfort of meatballs and vegetables in a flavorful broth. However, it’s important to note that Albondigas Soup is traditionally a Mexican dish, not Italian. Nevertheless, I can provide you with a recipe for a similar Italian-style meatball soup.
Italian-Style Meatball Soup
History:
While Albondigas Soup is Mexican in origin, Italian-style meatball soup has its roots in Italian-American cuisine. Italian immigrants in the United States adapted their traditional meatball recipes to create hearty soups, making use of local ingredients and culinary influences.
Components:
- Ground beef or a mixture of ground beef and pork for meatballs
- Bread crumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Eggs
- Onion
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Chicken or beef broth
- Diced tomatoes
- Carrots
- Celery
- Spinach or kale
- Orzo pasta
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Steps to Prepare:
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Make the Meatballs:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add beaten eggs and mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
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Sear the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides until they are cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Prepare the Soup:
- In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed.
- Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until they start to soften.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken or beef broth, and the seared meatballs.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes.
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Add Pasta and Greens:
- Stir in the orzo pasta and let it cook until it’s tender, following the package instructions.
- Add chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
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Serve:
- Ladle the Italian-style meatball soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Preparation Time:
The total preparation time for this Italian-style meatball soup is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Remember, while this soup is inspired by Italian-American cuisine, it’s not a traditional Italian dish. Nonetheless, it’s a delicious and comforting soup that combines the flavors of Italian-style meatballs with a hearty broth and vegetables. Enjoy your meal!
Certainly, here are the approximate nutrition facts and health information for Albondigas Soup, Italian style, per serving (serving size may vary depending on the recipe and portion size):
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 250-350 calories per serving
- Total Fat: 10-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-5 grams
- Cholesterol: 30-50 mg
- Sodium: 600-800 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams
- Sugars: 4-6 grams
- Protein: 18-22 grams
Health Information:
- Protein: Albondigas Soup is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function.
- Fiber: The soup contains dietary fiber from vegetables and sometimes pasta, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full.
- Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content in the soup, as it can be relatively high due to the broth and any canned ingredients used. High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, so it’s important to moderate your consumption.
- Nutrient Variability: The exact nutritional content may vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. You can reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium broth and canned tomatoes and adjusting the seasoning to taste.
Keep in mind that these nutrition facts are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe. If you have specific dietary concerns or are following a particular diet, it’s a good idea to calculate the nutrition facts based on your recipe’s exact ingredients and portion sizes.
