Albóndigas Soup

Description

Meatball soup

• Serves 6 to 8 as a soup course or 3 to 4 as a main course.

Ingredients

Meatballs

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
• ½ tsp garlic, minced
• ½ lb lean ground beef
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup tomato, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup fresh bread crumbs

Soup

• 3 qt beef stock
• 2 cups carrot, sliced
• 1 lb summer squash, sliced
• ½ lb potato, peeled, sliced
• 5 sprigs fresh mint
• 1 cup radiatorre, or small shells, stars, etc.
• salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• fresh mint or oregano, garnish

Procedures

Meatballs

1. Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the Onion and saute until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and saute 1 minute longer.
4. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the remaining ingredients.
5. Working with abut 1 tsp of the mixture at a time, roll it between the palms of your hands to form balls.
6. Place on a plate, cover loosely, and refrigerate for about 20 minutes before cooking.
7. In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of the stock to a boil over medium-high heat.
8. Add as many meatballs at a time as will fit comfortably in the pan and cook, skimming off foam as necessary, until done, about 5 minutes.
9. Remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon and set aside; cook the remaining meatballs in the same way.
10. Strain and reserve the cooking liquid for another use.

Soup

1. In a soup pot or large saucepan, combine he remaining 2 qts. stock, carrot, chayote, potatoes, and mint.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer, uncovered, until the vegetables are tend, about 25 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cook the Pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente.
4. Drain and set aside.
5. About 5 minutes before the vegetables are done, dd the meatballs and Pasta to heat through.
6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Ladle into preheat bowls and garnish with herb sprigs.
8. Alternatively, pour into a container and refrigerate, uncovered, until col, ten tightly cover and store up to 3 days.
9. Slowly reheat before garnishing and serving.