Barley Albondigas (Meatball) Soup

Submitted by mollypaul

"A zesty twist on beef barley soup absolutely perfect for warming up a dreary day from the Barley Foods Council. Pearl barley may be cooked ahead of time, placed in an airtight container and refrigerated or frozen for up to a week. For best results, bring refrigerated or frozen cooked barley to room temperature before using."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 45mins
• Ingredients: 18
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• Meatballs

• 1 lb lean ground turkey or 1 lb beef
• 1⁄2 cup cooked pearl barley, cooking directions below
• 1⁄4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• Soup

• 2 1⁄2 quarts fat-free chicken broth
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup thinly sliced carrot
• 1 (7 ounce) can chopped green chilies
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cups cooked pearl barley, cooking directions below
• 1⁄3 cup fresh cilantro leaves

directions

1. To cook pearl barley: In medium saucepan with lid, bring 3 cups water to a boil.
2. Add 1 cup pearl barley and return to boil.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 45 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed.
4. Makes about 3-1/2 cups.
5. For Meatballs: Combine all ingredients and form into small walnut-size meatballs.
6. Refrigerate until ready to use.
7. For Soup: In large soup pot, combine all ingredients except cilantro.
8. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes.
9. Carefully add meatballs and continue to cook 20 minutes longer.
10. Stir in cilantro and serve.

Reviews

[idrinknyquil]

I LOVED it, my son loved it and my man loved it! Will be making this one for years to come. Thank you so much for sharing this awesome and tasty soup!

 

[shortstuff]

This was very yummy!! I don't use cilantro & cumin much so this was a nice/different taste for me. I didn't have green chilies so I used a little chili powder instead. Thanks for the recipe!!!

 

[buzzsau]

This is a very good soup. I didn't have any carrot but it was just fine without. I think I might go have a bowl now. I made this in 86 degree weather because I was wanting soup so bad!

 

[jessymroberts]

I just loved this soup! My Dad mentioned that he loves Mexican Meatball Soup, and he also loves barley, so I figured I would give this one a try. DELICOUS! I made as directed except I cooked my meatballs in a skillet with some non-stick spray before adding them to the soup. Exceptional flavors! This makes a TON of soup - perfect to freeze. My Dad and husband each had THREE bowls of this soup and were still raving about it after we played cribbage for a couple of hours. GREAT RECIPE! I highly recommend. Thanks!

 

[Cilantro in Canada]

Excellent soup and easy to make. I left out the cumin for personal preference. This is a hearty soup that will fill you up. I did find that the meatballs released their grease into the soup so next time I might cook the meatballs in the oven. This might mean they may not be so soft in texture though. My daughter who was sick with a cold found this quite comforting. Thanks for the recipe.