Savory Meatball Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 15 oz can Mexican stewed tomatoes
• Pinch or more red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 or so cups water
• 1 lb ground turkey (not breast) or your favorite ground meat
• 1/2 cup brown rice
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs (enough to form meatball)
• 1/2 teas cumin
• 1 teas garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• A little salt & freshly ground pepper
• 2 -3 15 oz cans low sodium chicken broth (or whatever in needed)
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 9 oz bag spinach, rinsed
• Cilantro (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot on medium heat add olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, saute for 5 minutes, add Mexican tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using, cook for 10 minutes. Add 4 cups water (or more, enough to cover meatballs) , heat to boil.
2. Meanwhile, to make the meatballs, in a large bowl, add the turkey, rice, bread crumbs, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder and just a little salt & pepper, mix well. (If meatballs are not staying together, add some more fresh bread crumbs) I usually make them about an inch in diameter. Carefully add meatballs to boiling sauce, turn heat to low and simmer approximately 35-40 minutes.
3. Add chicken broth (you can always add more broth if needed), heat to simmer, add all vegetables except cilantro, simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
4. Top each bowl with a few cilantro leaves (if using). Enjoy!