Print

Southwestern Wedding Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 87 reviews

This Southwestern Wedding Soup features tender pork meatballs seasoned with traditional spices, simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables, green chiles, and pasta. Finished with fresh spinach, cilantro, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese, it’s a comforting and zesty twist on classic wedding soup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • 1/4 cup finely grated cotija or Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lb. ground pork
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Vegetable oil, for greasing

Soup

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
  • 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles
  • 2 tbsp adobo sauce from a can of chipotle chiles
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup acini di pepe or other small pasta shape
  • 5 oz baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Crumbled cotija or finely grated Parmesan and lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the egg, crushed tortilla chips, and cotija cheese. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the ingredients to bind.
  2. Add Seasoned Pork: Add ground pork, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, chili powder, kosher salt, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and ground cumin to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
  3. Form Meatballs: Grease a teaspoon with vegetable oil. Use it to scoop heaping portions of the meatball mixture and gently form into about 1-inch balls. Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until you have approximately 55 to 60 meatballs, re-greasing the teaspoon as needed.
  4. Brown Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Working in batches, place meatballs in a single layer and cook undisturbed until one side is browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully turn and continue cooking, turning occasionally, until browned on multiple sides, totaling 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
  5. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, tomato paste, and cumin; cook while stirring until fragrant, about 1 more minute.
  6. Combine Soup Ingredients: Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Stir in diced green chiles and adobo sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Cook Pasta and Simmer: Add the acini di pepe pasta to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
  8. Add Greens and Season: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in baby spinach and freshly chopped cilantro until the spinach wilts. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Serve: Divide the soup among bowls. Top with crumbled cotija or grated Parmesan cheese and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.

Notes

  • You can substitute cotija cheese with Parmesan if cotija is not available.
  • For a spicier soup, add more adobo sauce or include some finely chopped chipotle peppers.
  • Use acini di pepe or other small pasta shapes like orzo or small elbow macaroni for best results.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when browning meatballs to ensure even cooking.
  • Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • If you prefer a thicker broth, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or simmer longer without lid to concentrate flavors.

Keywords: Southwestern Wedding Soup, pork meatballs, chicken broth soup, spicy soup, easy dinner, comfort food, Mexican-inspired soup

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/southwestern-wedding-soup-recipe/