Cilantro Pesto Albondigas Soup
This Cilantro Pesto Albondigas Soup is a vibrant and wholesome one-dish meal that showcases the beloved meatballs of Mexican cuisine. Bursting with flavor, this comforting soup features tender meatballs made from a blend of ground pork and beef, paired with an array of fresh vegetables. The addition of a bright cilantro pesto elevates each bowl, infusing it with a refreshing herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich broth. Perfect for cozy gatherings or hearty family dinners, this soup is not only satisfying but also a celebration of fresh ingredients. Serve it steaming hot with warm tortillas for an authentic experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
short-grain white rice
3/4 cup (rinsed)
water
1 1/2 cups (boiling)
vegetable oil
4 tablespoons (divided)
white onions
2 (diced)
ground pork
1/2 lb
ground beef
1/2 lb
egg
1 (beaten)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
dried oregano
1 teaspoon
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (divided)
fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon (divided)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
zucchini
1 (diced)
carrots
2 (peeled and diced)
ripe tomatoes
2 (peeled, seeded, and diced)
chicken broth
6 cups
fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
fresh mint sprig
1 (stemmed and chopped)
limes
2 (juiced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
water
2 tablespoons
salt
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cilantro Pesto Albondigas Soup?
It is a vibrant Mexican meatball soup featuring tender pork and beef meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a refreshing cilantro pesto.
What types of meat are used in the meatballs?
The meatballs are made using a blend of 1/2 lb ground pork and 1/2 lb ground beef.
What vegetables are included in this soup?
The soup includes white onions, zucchini, carrots, and ripe tomatoes.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are a total of 22 ingredients listed for this Cilantro Pesto Albondigas Soup.
What kind of rice is used in the meatballs?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of rinsed short-grain white rice.
What is the purpose of the cilantro pesto in this recipe?
The cilantro pesto serves to elevate the bowl with a refreshing herbal note that contrasts with the rich broth.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The two ripe tomatoes should be peeled, seeded, and diced.
What seasonings are used for the meatballs?
The meatballs are seasoned with ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and fresh ground pepper.
Does this soup contain garlic?
Yes, the recipe includes one minced garlic clove.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 6 cups of chicken broth.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The two carrots should be peeled and diced before being added to the soup.
Is mint used in this soup?
Yes, the recipe includes one fresh mint sprig that is stemmed and chopped.
What is used as a binder for the meatballs?
One beaten egg and short-grain white rice are used to bind the meatball mixture.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as a one-pot meal, making it convenient for cooking and cleanup.
How many onions are needed?
You will need two diced white onions for this recipe.
What kind of oil is used?
The recipe uses both vegetable oil (4 tablespoons) and olive oil (2 tablespoons).
How much cilantro is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro.
Does the recipe include lime juice?
Yes, it uses the juice of two limes to add a bright flavor to the soup.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is recommended to serve the soup steaming hot with warm tortillas for an authentic experience.
Is this recipe considered Mexican cuisine?
Yes, Albondigas soup is a traditional and beloved dish of Mexican cuisine.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe requires one teaspoon of ground cumin.
What is the preparation for the zucchini?
The recipe calls for one diced zucchini.
How much water is needed?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of boiling water and an additional 2 tablespoons of water.
Is dried oregano used in this soup?
Yes, the meatball mixture includes one teaspoon of dried oregano.
How much total meat is used?
A total of one pound of meat is used (half pork and half beef).
Is this soup suitable for family dinners?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying meal perfect for hearty family dinners or cozy gatherings.
What makes the broth rich?
The combination of chicken broth, meat juices from the meatballs, and sautéed vegetables creates a rich base.
Is the rice rinsed before use?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the short-grain white rice should be rinsed.
What kind of pepper is used?
The recipe calls for fresh ground pepper.
How much salt is needed for the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt divided in the main steps plus an extra 1/2 teaspoon for seasoning.