It’s finally soup weather! 🌧 This time of year is dedicated to comforting broths and focusing on our wellness. Nothing brings me happiness quite like albóndigas soup, a cultural dish I grew up eating during the winter months. In honor of my Grandpa, I hope you will enjoy making this delicious soup as you welcome in the new year. ✨️

Vegan Mexican Meatball Soup

Adapted from: https://dorastable.com/vegan-mexican-meatball-soup/#recipe

Ingredients
¼ yellow onion, diced
1 medium tomato, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 jalapeño, destemmed, diced
2 cups Russet potatoes, diced, skin-on
1 calabacita (Mexican zucchini), diced
6-8 mint leaves, finely chopped
3 sprigs cilantro, destemmed, chopped
8 cups water
1 12 oz package plant-based ground beef, defrosted
⅓ cup uncooked white rice, long grain
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 ½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Method
To make the broth:

1. Set a large soup pot to medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and onion to the pot. Sauté the onion for ~3 minutes or until soft and translucent. Add the tomato and sauté for ~3 more minutes.
2. Pour enough water into the pot to fill it 1/2 way. Bring to a slow boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Add a dash of salt and pepper to taste.
3. To make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the package of plant-based beef, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, uncooked white rice, and chopped mint. Combine well with your hands for the best results.
4. Form 8- 10 meatballs with your hands. Add them carefully to the simmering broth. Cook for 15 minutes (avoid stirring the meatballs).
5. Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, potato, and jalapeño to the pot. Increase the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the vegetables are thoroughly cooked.
6. Add the chopped cilantro and cook for a few additional minutes. Serve with warm corn tortillas and add garnishes, as desired (avocado slices, mint leaves, etc.).

This dish is a fantastic addition to any home looking to increase vegetable intake in a delicious, easy way. Consider it for next week’s meal prep! 😋 Happy New Year and Happy Veganuary! 🥳