Hearty Turkey Albondigas Soup with Brown Rice
This Hearty Turkey Albondigas Soup is a delightful twist on a classic Mexican comfort food. Bursting with flavor from fresh ingredients like cilantro, garlic, and jalapenos, this dish combines tender turkey meatballs with a medley of vegetables and the wholesome addition of brown rice. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, this one-pot meal is a wonderfully filling option that warms the soul. With easy instructions and a plethora of vibrant flavors, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing and blending)
garlic
8 cloves (peeled)
cilantro
2 bunches (leaves only)
salt
1 tablespoon (plus 2 teaspoons for the vegetables)
fresh ground pepper
1.5 teaspoons (plus 1/2 teaspoon for the vegetables)
ground turkey or chicken
1 lb (for meatballs)
large egg
1 (beaten)
fresh breadcrumbs
2/3 cup (for meatballs)
vegetable oil
1/3 cup (for sautéing and browning meatballs)
large leek
1 (trimmed, washed, and thinly julienned)
medium carrots
4 (peeled and diced)
white cabbage
1/4 head (cored and thinly sliced)
jalapeno chile
1-2 (stemmed, seeded, and diced)
roma tomatoes
3 medium (cored, seeded, and diced)
chicken stock
2.5 quarts (for soup base)
white vinegar
3 tablespoons (for finishing the soup)
brown rice
1 cup (optional, for a heartier meal)
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the olive oil, garlic, cilantro leaves, and 1 tablespoon each of salt and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey (or chicken), beaten egg, and cilantro paste. Gently mix together until just combined.
3
Add the fresh breadcrumbs and mix until just incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
4
Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of walnuts, and place them on a tray. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5
In a large stockpot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the leeks and carrots, seasoning with the remaining 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Sauté for 2-4 minutes until they start to soften.
6
Stir in the cabbage, jalapenos, and diced tomatoes. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 3 minutes until all vegetables are limp.
7
Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
8
While the soup simmers, heat the remaining vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is nearly smoking, add the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are spaced apart. Sauté and shake the pan gently to brown all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the browned meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
9
Once all the meatballs are browned, gently transfer them to the simmering soup. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to ensure the meatballs are cooked through.
10
Stir in the white vinegar just before serving to add a tangy brightness to the soup. If desired, add a handful of brown rice to the soup at the same time as the stock for a heartier meal.
11
Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
27g
Carbs
30g
Protein
7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Turkey Albondigas Soup?
It is a Mexican-inspired comfort food featuring turkey meatballs, fresh vegetables, and brown rice in a savory chicken stock broth.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, the recipe specifically states that ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground turkey in the meatballs.
How do I make the cilantro paste for the meatballs?
In a blender, combine olive oil, 8 cloves of garlic, 2 bunches of cilantro leaves, and salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Why should the meatballs be refrigerated before cooking?
Refrigerating the meatballs for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up so they maintain their shape during browning and simmering.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The soup includes leeks, carrots, white cabbage, jalapeno chiles, and Roma tomatoes.
When should I add the brown rice to the soup?
For a heartier meal, add the brown rice to the soup at the same time as you pour in the chicken stock.
What is the purpose of adding white vinegar at the end?
Stirring in white vinegar just before serving adds a tangy brightness that balances the hearty flavors of the soup.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content of this albondigas soup?
This soup is high in protein, providing 30g per serving.
How long do I need to brown the meatballs?
Sauté the meatballs in a skillet for 6-8 minutes, shaking the pan to ensure all sides are browned.
How many garlic cloves are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 peeled garlic cloves to be blended into the cilantro paste.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup contains 1-2 jalapeno chiles, but you can control the heat by seeding them or adjusting the quantity.
How do I prepare the leeks for the soup?
The leeks should be trimmed, washed, and thinly julienned before being sautéed with the carrots.
What size should the meatballs be?
The mixture should be rolled into small meatballs approximately the size of walnuts.
How much chicken stock is required for the soup base?
The recipe requires 2.5 quarts of chicken stock.
What type of cabbage should I use?
The recipe uses 1/4 head of white cabbage, cored and thinly sliced.
Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Yes, although the recipe recommends fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture in the meatballs.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 20g of fat per serving of this soup.
How many grams of fiber does a serving provide?
Each serving provides 7g of dietary fiber.
Should the soup simmer covered or uncovered?
The soup should cook uncovered for 15 minutes before adding the meatballs.
What can I garnish the soup with?
You can garnish the finished soup with additional cilantro or fresh lime wedges.
How do I avoid making the meatballs tough?
Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture when adding the breadcrumbs; mix until just incorporated.
What are the primary seasonings for this soup?
The soup is seasoned with fresh cilantro, garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
Can I use a different oil for browning the meatballs?
The recipe suggests vegetable oil for browning because of its high smoke point, but olive oil is used for the paste.
How much brown rice is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 cup of brown rice.
What type of tomatoes are best for this soup?
Medium Roma tomatoes that have been cored, seeded, and diced are recommended.
How long do the meatballs simmer in the stock?
Once transferred to the soup, the meatballs should simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to finish cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a filling one-pot meal that is perfect for families and cozy nights.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe uses a total of 17 ingredients to create the meatballs and the soup base.