Albondigas Soup Recipe: A Hearty Mexican Comfort Dish

ByEmma

Albondigas soup a traditional Mexican meatball soup is the ultimate comfort food. This dish is packed with tender meatballs fresh vegetables and a savory broth that will leave your taste buds delighted. It’s a meal that’s both hearty and easy to make perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests.

Contents

What is Albondigas Soup?

Albondigas means meatballs in Spanish and this soup is essentially a warm flavorful broth with homemade meatballs. This dish is cherished in Mexican cuisine and often tailored with a variety of vegetables and spices to suit personal tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s simple to make with everyday ingredients.
  • Perfect for meal prepping as it reheats beautifully.
  • Offers a healthy mix of proteins and vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1/3 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 egg (acts as a binder)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots sliced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 zucchini diced
  • 4 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

  1. In a large bowl combine the ground meat rice egg minced garlic onion cilantro cumin salt and pepper.
  2. Mix thoroughly with clean hands or a spatula until well combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.

Pro Tip: Make the meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Use a small cookie scoop for consistency.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and garlic cooking until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
  3. Stir in carrots celery and zucchini sautéing for 3-4 minutes.

3. Build the Broth

  1. Pour in the chicken or beef broth water and diced tomatoes.
  2. Add oregano cumin salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor use homemade broth or add a splash of lime juice before serving.

4. Add the Meatballs

  1. Carefully drop the prepared meatballs into the simmering broth.
  2. Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and the rice is tender.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra pop of freshness. Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread on the side.

Variations and Additions

  • Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder for a kick of heat.
  • Extra veggies: Toss in corn potatoes or green beans for a heartier soup.
  • Low-carb option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice in the meatballs.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Albondigas soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
  • Reheat: Warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Albondigas soup recipe is a true crowd-pleaser combining the wholesome flavors of Mexican cuisine in one comforting bowl. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests this recipe is sure to satisfy.

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