Albondigas Soup with Cilantro Pesto is a delicious Mexican soup known for its flavorful meatballs (albondigas) and a vibrant cilantro pesto topping. Let’s break down the details you’ve asked for:
History:
Albondigas Soup has Mexican origins and is often considered a comfort food. The word “albondigas” itself is Spanish and translates to “meatballs.” The soup has evolved over time, incorporating various regional ingredients and flavors.
Components:
- Meatballs (Albondigas): Typically made with ground meat (such as beef or a mixture of beef and pork), rice, onions, garlic, and various seasonings like cumin, oregano, and cilantro. These are the star of the soup.
- Soup Base: The broth is usually a tomato-based broth infused with vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. It’s seasoned with spices like cumin and oregano.
- Vegetables: Aside from the ones used in the broth, you can add additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and potatoes.
- Cilantro Pesto: This is a flavorful topping made from fresh cilantro, garlic, jalapeños, lime juice, and olive oil. It adds a bright and zesty contrast to the soup.
Steps to Prepare Albondigas Soup with Cilantro Pesto:
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Prepare Meatballs:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, minced onions, garlic, cilantro, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs and set aside.
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Prepare the Soup Base:
- In a large soup pot, heat some oil and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they soften.
- Add crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, cumin, oregano, and any additional vegetables you want to include.
- Bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
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Add Meatballs:
- Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering soup. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through.
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Prepare Cilantro Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine fresh cilantro leaves, garlic, jalapeño (adjust spice level to your liking), lime juice, and olive oil. Blend until you have a smooth pesto.
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Serve:
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Drizzle a spoonful of cilantro pesto over each serving.
Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Albondigas Soup with Cilantro Pesto will vary, but you can expect it to take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your cooking speed. This includes prep time for meatballs and vegetables, cooking the soup base, and simmering the meatballs.
Enjoy your homemade Albondigas Soup with Cilantro Pesto, a rich and comforting dish with a burst of fresh flavors!
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Albondigas Soup with Cilantro Pesto, keeping in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximate values):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Total Fat: 10-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2-4 grams
- Cholesterol: 40-60 mg
- Sodium: 700-900 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Sugars: 4-6 grams
- Protein: 18-22 grams
- Vitamin A: 20-30% DV (Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 10-15% DV
- Calcium: 4-6% DV
- Iron: 10-15% DV
Health Information:
- Albondigas Soup is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function.
- It contains vegetables like carrots, celery, and cilantro, providing vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. These contribute to a well-balanced diet.
- The presence of garlic and onions in the soup can offer potential health benefits, as they may have antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.
- The use of lean meat for meatballs can help reduce saturated fat content, making the dish relatively heart-healthy.
- The cilantro pesto topping adds freshness and can provide additional vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C.
- The sodium content may vary depending on the broth and seasonings used. If you are concerned about sodium intake, consider using low-sodium broth and minimizing added salt.
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. If you have specific dietary restrictions or health concerns, it’s a good idea to adjust the recipe to meet your needs or consult a nutritionist for personalized guidance.
