Spicy Tomato Soup

Mexican Spicy Tomato Soup Recipe with Ground Beef, Rice, and Vegetables

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 6

Introduction

Spicy Tomato Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. This soup is packed with bold flavors and a spicy kick that will leave your taste buds tingling. The combination of tender meatballs, rice, and a rich tomato broth makes this soup a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

The origins of Spicy Tomato Soup can be traced back to traditional Mexican cuisine. This soup is a popular dish in Mexican households, especially during the colder months. The combination of tomatoes, chiles, and cilantro gives this soup its distinct flavor profile that is loved by many.

Ingredients

Meatballs

2.5 lb (1.13 kg) ground beef
2 eggs
0.25 cup uncooked rice
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.25 tsp ground cumin

Soup

2.5 qt (2.36 liter) water
0.25 cup uncooked rice
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 onions, sliced
2 tomatoes, sliced
6 serrano chiles, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped
1 bunch cilantro, tough stems removed, finely chopped

How to prepare

Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, rice, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin. Mix well.
Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Soup

In a large stockpot, bring water to a boil over high heat.
Add the meatballs and rice to the boiling water. Boil for 30 minutes, skimming off any scum that rises to the top.
In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
Add onions, tomatoes, and about one-sixth of the chiles. Sauté until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the onion mixture to the meatballs and broth, along with the remaining chiles. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
Just before serving, stir in the cilantro.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the meatballs and add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn.
Add a can of black beans or chickpeas for added protein and fiber.
Garnish the soup with avocado slices, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh and creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to skim off any scum that rises to the top of the boiling water when cooking the meatballs to ensure a clear broth.

- Adjust the amount of chiles to suit your spice preference. You can add more or less depending on how spicy you like your soup.

- For a richer flavor, you can brown the meatballs before adding them to the boiling water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Tomato Soup with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling, sautéing

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for the meatballs.

- Substitute brown rice for white rice for a healthier option.

- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. The soup can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Spicy Tomato Soup in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spicy Tomato Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of Mexican rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Spicy Tomato Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Tomato Soup contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Tomato Soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spicy Tomato Soup contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Tomato Soup contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Spicy Tomato Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat (from the flour used in the meatballs) which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Spicy Tomato Soup is a nutritious and filling dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal.

Summary

Spicy Tomato Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy a bowl of this spicy and satisfying soup for a meal that will warm you from the inside out.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was leafing through an old cookbook that I had picked up at a garage sale. The pages were yellowed and stained, but the recipes were still legible, and I found myself captivated by the simple yet enticing description of Spicy Tomato Soup.

I had always loved tomato soup, but this version promised to be something different. The addition of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes caught my eye, and I could practically taste the heat and depth of flavor that they would bring to the dish. I knew I had to try making it myself.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, chopping onions and garlic, sweating them in a pot with a little olive oil until they were fragrant and translucent. I added cans of diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Then came the spices - cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, and a touch of cumin for depth.

As the soup simmered on the stove, the fragrance filled my kitchen and I couldn't resist taking a taste. The heat of the spices hit me first, followed by the rich, tangy sweetness of the tomatoes. It was exactly what I had been craving - a warm, comforting bowl of soup with a kick that lingered on my tongue.

I served myself a bowl, garnishing it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The first spoonful was a revelation - the flavors were bold and vibrant, the heat just right. I knew I had stumbled upon something special, a recipe that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

As I savored each spoonful, I couldn't help but think back on all the recipes I had collected over the years. Some had come from cookbooks, others from friends and family members. Each one had a story behind it, a memory attached to it that made it more than just a list of ingredients and instructions.

I remembered the first time I had tasted my mother's apple pie, the way the cinnamon and nutmeg had mingled with the tart sweetness of the apples. I remembered the summer I had spent in Italy, learning to make homemade pasta from scratch with a group of local women who spoke not a word of English. I remembered the time my husband had surprised me with a homemade birthday cake, decorated with my favorite flowers in delicate icing.

Each recipe was a piece of my history, a part of the tapestry of my life. And now, Spicy Tomato Soup would join them, a reminder of the day I stumbled upon a recipe that spoke to me in a way that few others had.

I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends, to see their faces light up with the same joy and satisfaction that I had experienced. I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite, a dish that would be requested again and again for special occasions and everyday meals alike.

As I finished my bowl of soup, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. Cooking had always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and show my love for those around me. And now, with Spicy Tomato Soup in my repertoire, I felt more inspired than ever to continue exploring new flavors and techniques, to create dishes that would bring warmth and comfort to the hearts of those I cared about.

I closed the cookbook with a smile, knowing that I had found a gem of a recipe that would bring me joy for years to come. And as I cleaned up the kitchen, I couldn't help but hum a little tune, my heart full of gratitude for the simple pleasure of good food and good company.