Meatball Soup
Chef’s Note: Seasoning puts the emphasis on the broth. Meatballs are relatively bland. I want to fix that later on (maybe add some grated onion or Worcestershire), but because I really enjoyed the warm soup, I am posting this
Original recipe: link
Makes: ~ 3 quart soup
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
2 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp dried parsley
a few dashes of crushed red pepper flakes
a few pinches of kosher salt
For the Soup
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, (~ 3 cup diced)
2 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
28-oz can crushed tomatoes
3 cup beef broth
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp dried oregano
a few pinches kosher salt
bread, for serving (such as Baguette slices or sandwich bread)
(opt.) shredded mozzarella, for serving
Instructions
Make the meatballs:
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line one baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, minced garlic, parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt.
These are very dense because of the amount of breadcrumbs. That’s because they need to stand up to the soup later on.
3. Roll into about 1-inch meatballs. Transfer to the baking sheet.
I made 22 meatballs
4. Bake until browned and cooked through, 15 minutes
Make the soup:
1. In a large pot (~ 4 qt), add oil and diced onion. Cook over medium-high heat, until onions are soft and translucent, about 6 minutes
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add tomato paste and stir until onions are completely coated
4. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and milk. Stir until combined.
5. Add meatballs and bring to a simmer
6. Once simmering, turn heat to low.
7. Stir in the mozzarella, 1/2 cup at a time to prevent clumping. Add in the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, oregano, and salt. Stir until combined and flavors mix. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary
8. Ladle into bowls. If desired, top with more shredded mozzarella. Serve with a slice of bread. Serve warm
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Light Tofu Makhani (Indian Butter Tofu)
Chef’s Note: Tofu isn’t flavorful, but the sauce is. The aroma was amazing once I added in the garlic and ginger. I also used half the original butter to make it lighter
Marinade Note: Please decide if you want to marinate for hours beforehand or not. For me with no refrigerating and marinating, start of prep to the end of cooking took maybe 70 minutes.
Original recipe link
Makes: ~3 quart sauce + tofu
Ingredients
TOFU MARINADE
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground turmeric
2 packages (14 oz, each) firm tofu
SAUCE/CURRY
4 tbsp ghee or unsalted butter
2 medium yellow onions, (~ 4 to 5 cups) diced {{ can also do 1 yellow and 1 red onion }}
1 tbsp ground chile powder {{ not chili, chile. If you don’t have this, I’d substitute some cumin }}
3 tbsp peeled and minced fresh ginger
4 garlic clove, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp paprika
1 cinnamon stick {{~1/2 tsp ground cinnamon}}
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (~1 1/2 cup) {{ the original recipe recommends full fat, but I say go with whatever }}
(opt. garnish) 3 green onion, thinly sliced on the bias
(opt. garnish) 1/4 cup cilantro leaves and tender stems
Naan or basmati rice, for serving
yogurt, for serving
sliced cucumbers, for serving
Instructions
MARINATE
1. In a large bowl, whisk the lemon juice, cumin, 1 tbsp turmeric, and 1 tablespoon water to make a thin paste.
be aware that this can easily stain a bowl
alternatively, combine spices in a gallon sealable plastic bag
2. Drain and pat the tofu dry. Cut tofu into 1/2 or 1/3-inch cubes.
3. Add tofu to the turmeric marinade, gently stirring to coat.
4. Set tofu aside at room temperature while you prepare the remaining ingredients, OR cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
prep means: dice onions, peel and mince ginger, mince garlic clove, slice green onions
The original recommended to marinate for 3 to 8 hours
COOKING
5. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
6. Add the onions and chile powder. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
7. Turn heat to low-medium, add the ginger and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are starting to brown, about 5 minutes.
8. Add the crushed tomatoes, sea salt, 1 tsp turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon stick. Cook for another 10 minutes to let flavors marinate and mix. Adjust seasonings as needed.
you do want some zang or spice in this sauce
9. FOR A SMOOTH SAUCE: Remove cinnamon stick. Blend with an immersion blender, or transfer to a blender and purée until smooth. Return to the pot.
I totally don’t think this step is necessary
10. Stir in the coconut milk until blended.
11. Gently stir in the tofu and its marinade. Simmer over low heat, uncovered, until the tofu has taken on the color of the sauce and is flavored all the way through, about 5 minutes.
Stir occasionally but gently, so the tofu doesn’t fall apart.
12. Transfer the tofu and sauce to a deep platter or large shallow serving bowl and sprinkle with scallions and cilantro.
13. Serve with warm naan, rice, yogurt, and/or cucumbers.
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