Albondigas Soup Recipe

Albondigas soup, or Mexican meatball soup, is a beloved comfort food in Mexican cuisine. Featuring juicy, tender meatballs (albondigas) made with ground beef and rice, this soup is simmered with vegetables and herbs for a rich and savory flavor. With roots in both Spanish and Mexican kitchens, albondigas soup is versatile, warming, and perfect for a wholesome family meal.

Equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Small ice cream scoop or spoon for shaping meatballs
• Cutting board
• Knife

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef and half pork)
• ¼ cup uncooked rice
• 1 egg
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, egg, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables and Broth
   Add the sliced carrot, diced zucchini, potatoes, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef or chicken broth, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a Simmer and Add Meatballs
   Bring the soup to a simmer, then carefully add the meatballs to the pot, one by one. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Adjust Seasoning
   Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Stir in additional fresh cilantro, if desired.
6. Serve
   Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each bowl has plenty of meatballs and vegetables. Garnish with more fresh cilantro if desired.

Presentation Ideas:

• Serve with warm corn or flour tortillas on the side for a traditional touch.
• Top with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped avocado for added flavor.
• Offer a side of sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for those who like extra heat.

Tips:

• For a lighter version, try using ground turkey instead of beef for the meatballs.
• If you’d like a spicier soup, add a diced serrano pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the broth.
• This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes well for up to 2 months.

Albondigas soup is a delicious, hearty dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its tender meatballs, flavorful broth, and mix of vibrant vegetables, this soup is as wholesome as it is comforting. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a taste of this traditional Mexican comfort food!