These flavorful Turkey Albondigas bring a healthy twist to the traditional Mexican meatball soup. Fresh herbs and spices infuse the turkey meatballs with bright flavor, while julienned vegetables add color and texture to the light broth. The secret cilantro-garlic paste creates depth without heaviness, making this a perfect light meal that's still satisfying. Easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining, this soup brings authentic Mexican flavors to your table in under an hour.
Ingredients
1/4 Cup olive oil
8 garlic cloves, peeled
2 Bunches cilantro, leaves only
1 Tablespoon salt
1 1/2 Teaspoons ground black pepper
1 Pound ground turkey or chicken, preferably dark meat
1 Large egg, beaten
2/3 Cup fresh bread crumbs
1/3 Cup vegetable oil
1 Large leek, trimmed, washed and thinly julienned
4 Medium carrots, peeled and diced
1/4 Head white cabbage, cored, and thinly sliced
1 jalapeรฑo Chiles (1 or 2), stemmed, seeded and thinly julienned
3 Medium Roma tomatoes, cored, seeded and diced
2 1/2 Quarts chicken stock
3 Tablespoons white vinegar
Directions
Combine the olive oil, garlic, cilantro and 1 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper in a blender.
Puree until smooth.
In a large bowl, mix together the turkey or chicken, egg and cilantro paste.
Add the bread crumbs and mix only until combined.
Roll into small walnut-sized meatballs in the palms of your hands and place on a tray in the refrigerator.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil in a large stockpot over high heat.
Sautรฉ the leeks and carrots with the remaining 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper for 2 to 4 minutes.
Add the cabbage, jalapeรฑos and tomatoes and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are limp, about 3 minutes longer.
Pour in the chicken stock.
Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook, uncovered, 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until nearly smoking.
Add the chilled meatballs in batches, shaking the pan to prevent sticking, and brown on all sides.
Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
When all the meatballs are browned, transfer to the simmering stock and cook an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
Stir in the vinegar and serve hot.
Variation: For a heartier dish, add a handful or two of rice or small-shaped pasta along with the stock.
Servings
Serving Size : 6
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Per Serving - Calories: 420; Total Fat: 27g (Saturated Fat: 5g); Cholesterol: 80mg; Sodium: 1290mg; Total Carbohydrates: 18g (Dietary Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 6g); Protein: 28g
*Nutrition information is provided as a general estimate only and may not be accurate. Variations may occur based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.
๐งโ๐ณ The Cook:
Carol Jancsi
๐ Keywords:
Mexican,
chicken,
soups,
turkey
๐๏ธ Categories: ๐ฎ
Mexican Foods, ๐ฅฃ
Soups & Stews ๐ Cookbooks:
From The Ferguson Family,
The TFR Cookbook
Recipe #469 was added on February 01, 2009 and last updated on March 17, 2025.