Asian-style meatball and noodle soup

Try our low cost, dairy free Asian-style meatball and noodle soup as a warming lunch or dinner. Packed full of flavour, high in fibre and has an easy gluten free option, this is a tasty crowd-pleaser.

Serves: 4

Time to make: 30 mins

Ingredients

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Broth

1 cup chicken stock

3 cups hot water

50g (¾ cup) mushrooms, sliced

2.5cm piece fresh ginger, peeled, quartered

1 tablespoon salt-reduced soy sauce

Meatballs

1 clove garlic, peeled, chopped

2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger

2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriandercilantroX

400g pork mince

2 teaspoons cornflourcornstarchX

1 large egg

1 tablespoon salt-reduced soy sauce

2 teaspoons sesame oil

150g rice noodles (sticks)

1 large carrot, peeled, finely julienned

about 20 spinach leaves or 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage

1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriandercilantroX

$AVER recipes were costed at $5 or below at the time of publication. We are mindful that seasonal and regional availability and price fluctuations occur - click here for healthy shopping tips for greater savings.

Instructions

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1 To make broth, combine stock, water, mushrooms, first portion of ginger and soy sauce in a large pot. Bring to the boil.

2 To prepare meatballs, in a medium-sized bowl, place garlic, grated ginger, coriander, mince, cornflour, egg, soy and sesame oil. Mix until evenly combined. With wet hands, shape meat mixture into 12-15 walnut-sized balls. Carefully drop balls into boiling broth mixture. Boil gently for about 10 minutes, turning meatballs a few times as they cook.

3 Meanwhile, place rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave to stand for 5 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.

4 When meatballs are cooked through (cut in half after 10 minutes to check), add carrot and spinach (or cabbage) to pot. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until vegetables have softened. Stir in coriander.

5 Divide soaked noodles among serving bowls and top with steaming broth. Serve immediately.

Variations

Make it gluten free: Use gluten-free stock, soy sauce and cornflour.

Nutrition Info (per serve)

Calories N/S

Kilojoules 1990 kJ

Protein 37 g

Total fat 16 g

Saturated fat 5 g

Carbohydrates 45 g

Sugar 3 g

Dietary fibre 3 g

Sodium 800 mg

Calcium 70 mg

Iron 4.5 mg

Note: This nutrition analysis is a guide only. Nutrition composition will vary depending on the exact ingredients used. See our guides on your optimal daily nutrition intake, and supermarket shopping.