Soup season is officially here… and I for one couldn’t be more excited about it because I love soup. The thing I like most about soup is the variety – there are so many choices available when it comes to flavour concoctions and ingredients.
Case in point: this tomato basil soup with sirloin meatballs.
When most people think of tomato soup, they probably think of the watered down canned version typically served with a tiny bag of salty crackers… which is not overly appetizing, or healthy. This recipe however is NOTHING like that. Packed full of fresh veggies and tender sirloin meatballs, this is one soup that will make you want to lick your bowl clean (speaking from experience ????). It also eats like a meal, making it the perfect pair to a rainy Vancouver night.
Hope you enjoy it!
Kelly
Tomato Basil Soup with Sirloin Meatballs
Courtesy of Gourmet Nutrition
Serves 4 large or 8 small
Ingredients
Soup Garnish
1lb 7oz ground sirloin
1tsp salt
1/2tsp pepper
1tbsp coconut oil or butter
Soup Base
2tbsp coconut oil or butter
1 1/2c onion, diced
2tbsp garlic, minced
1tsp cumin, ground
1tsp fennel
1tsp paprika
2c vegetable broth
7c tomatoes, chopped
2tbsp balsamic vinegar
2tbsp honey
1tsp salt
1/2tsp pepper
1/4c fresh basil, thinly sliced
Instructions
Soup Garnish
- Season the beef with salt and pepper and form in to 1 1/2inch balls.
- Preheat a large frying fan on medium and add 1tbsp of oil.
- Sauté the meatballs in batches until browned and then set aside.
- Add more oil in between batches if necessary.
Soup Base
- Preheat a large pot on medium-high heat.
- Add oil and onions and sauté until lightly browned, stirring frequently.
- Add garlic, cumin, fennel, paprika, 2tbsp broth and sauté for one minute more, stirring constantly.
- Add the tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Now add the remaining broth, balsamic vinegar, honey and meatballs and simmer for 15 minutes, continue stirring occasionally.
- Add the salt, pepper and basil and remove from heat.
- The soup is ready to enjoy.
Recipe variations: For a tasty tomato sauce, omit the vegetable broth. For some meat variety, substitute the meatballs with chicken or prawns. For a smoother option, purée in a blender before adding the meatballs. If you’re feeling cheesy, garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese. For a lower-carb anytime meal, reduce honey to 1tbsp. For a higher-carb post-workout meal, serve with whole grain garlic toast.
Nutrition Breakdown
Based on 8 small servings
209.3 calories
19.5g protein
14.3g carbs
8.3g fats