Albondigas Soup

Mexican meatball soup albondigas is a tasty and filling dish that mixes soft meatballs, colorful veggies, and a rich broth. This recipe is ideal for providing a rush of Mexican aromas to your taste senses and warming you up on cold days.

Tasting Notes

This Albondigas Soup boasts a rich and savory broth, complemented by juicy meatballs and a medley of vegetables. The combination of aromatic herbs and spices adds depth, making each spoonful a delightful experience.

Ingredients

Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Soup:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked rice
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board

Instructions

1. Prepare Meatballs:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, cilantro, egg, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Form mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Brown Meatballs:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Brown meatballs on all sides until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Saute Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, sauté diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
4. Build Soup Base:
   • Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes with their juices.
   • Season with oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
   • Bring to a simmer.
5. Add Meatballs and Rice:
   • Gently add the browned meatballs to the simmering soup.
   • Stir in the cooked rice and let the soup simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the Albondigas Soup into bowls.
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Pro Tips

• For extra flavor, consider using a combination of beef and chicken broth.
• Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes before adding them to the soup; this helps them hold their shape better.

Variations

• Experiment with different ground meats such as turkey or pork for the meatballs.
• Add diced potatoes or zucchini for additional vegetables.

FAQs