Albondigas soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly weather or when you need a pick-me-up. This traditional Mexican soup is made with meatballs, vegetables, and a delicious broth. Here’s how to make it at home:
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked white rice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped white onion
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the soup:
- 8 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Begin by making the meatballs. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, cooked rice, cilantro, onion, egg, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands, but don’t overwork the meat.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add the carrots and celery, and continue to cook for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, zucchini, and cumin. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering broth. Cover the pot and let cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Tips:
- You can substitute ground turkey or pork for the ground beef if you prefer.
- Make sure to chop the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the soup.
Conclusion:
Albondigas soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening or when you need a warm and satisfying meal. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences. Enjoy!