Dive into the heart of Mexican cuisine with a bowl of Albondigas, the beloved meatball soup that warms both the body and soul! This hearty dish, brimming with flavorful meatballs and vibrant vegetables, is not just a meal—it's an experience that transports you straight to a bustling Mexican kitchen. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe promises to impress with its rich flavors and comforting textures. Ready to discover the secret to crafting the ultimate Albondigas? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped cilantro, egg, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the meat mixture into small, uniform meatballs approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. Set the formed meatballs aside on a clean plate.
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the beef broth over medium-high heat until it begins to simmer.
- Add diced tomatoes, carrots, and zucchini to the simmering broth. Stir to combine and let vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Carefully drop the prepared meatballs into the simmering broth. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow meatballs to cook gently for 20-25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The meatballs should be tender and the vegetables soft but not mushy.
- Garnish with additional fresh chopped cilantro before serving hot in deep bowls.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh herbs and vegetables. Fresh cilantro and ripe tomatoes can elevate your soup significantly.
- Customize Your Meatballs: Feel free to mix in other herbs or spices to the meatball mixture, such as oregano or paprika, to suit your taste preferences.
- Simmer Gently: When adding the meatballs to the broth, ensure the heat is on medium-low to prevent them from breaking apart. A gentle simmer allows them to cook evenly and remain tender.
- Add More Veggies: Don't hesitate to throw in other vegetables like corn or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
- Serve with Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can brighten the flavors and add a delightful zing.
- Make it Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 95mg
