A comforting Filipino soup featuring fine wheat noodles (misua) and flavorful meatballs, complemented by patola (sponge gourd) and garnished with green onions and fried garlic bits.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 500gground pork or beef
- 1piecesmall onion, finely chopped
- 3clovegarlic, minced
- 1piecesmall carrot, grated (optional)
- 1pieceegg
- 1/4cupbreadcrumbs
- 2tbspsoy sauce
- 2tbspoyster sauce
- 1tbspcornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Soup
- 1bundlemisua (fine wheat noodles)
- 1piecesmall onion, chopped
- 3clovegarlic, minced
- 1piecethumb-sized piece of ginger, julienned
- 1piecemedium patola (sponge gourd), peeled and sliced into thin rounds
- 1Lchicken broth or water
- 2tbspfish sauce (patis)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2tbspcooking oil
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fried garlic bits (for garnish)
How to make Filipino Misua with Meatballs
Making the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground pork or beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot (if using), egg, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
In a skillet, heat some cooking oil over medium heat.
Fry the meatballs until they are browned on all sides. They don't need to be fully cooked at this stage as they will finish cooking in the soup.
Set the meatballs aside.
Making the Soup
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat.
Sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and julienned ginger until they are fragrant and the onion is translucent.
Pour in the chicken broth or water and bring it to a boil.
Add the fish sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Gently drop the fried meatballs into the pot. Let them cook in the simmering broth for about 10 minutes.
Add the patola slices and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender.
Add the misua noodles. These cook very quickly, so let them simmer for just 2-3 minutes or until tender.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serving
Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include meatballs, vegetables, and noodles in each serving.
Garnish with chopped green onions and fried garlic bits.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
This version highlights the patola, adding a mild sweetness and soft texture to the soup, making it a delicious and comforting meal.