Albondigas: A Hearty and Flavorful Mexican Meatball Soup

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful soup to warm you up on a cold day, look no further than albondigas. This classic Mexican dish is a meatball soup that is packed with delicious flavors and is perfect for any occasion. Albondigas is easy to make and can be customized to your liking, so it’s a great recipe to have in your back pocket.

Ingredients

To make albondigas soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make albondigas soup:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, bread crumbs, cilantro, egg, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and form into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and jalapeno pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Add meatballs to the soup and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in chopped parsley and serve hot with tortilla chips or warm crusty bread.

Variations

There are many ways to customize albondigas to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian: Use vegetarian “meatballs” made from lentils or mushrooms instead of ground beef.
• Spicy: Add more jalapeno peppers or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup some heat.
• Brothy: Use less vegetables and more broth to create a more brothy soup.
• Creamy: Add a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream to the soup to make it creamy and rich.

Conclusion

Albondigas is a delicious and easy-to-make soup that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a cold day or a hearty dinner to feed a crowd, albondigas is sure to satisfy. So why not give this classic Mexican dish a try? Your taste buds will thank you!

FAQ

What are Albondigas?

Albondigas are a traditional Spanish meatball soup made with ground beef or pork, vegetables, and usually served with rice.

What ingredients do I need to make Albondigas?

To make Albondigas, you will need ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, carrots, potatoes, canned tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, and oregano.

Can I use ground pork instead of beef?

Yes, you can use ground pork instead of beef or even use a combination of both for a different flavor.

Can I make Albondigas ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Albondigas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

To prevent the meatballs from falling apart, make sure to thoroughly mix the ingredients together and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes before shaping them into balls.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, and you may need to adjust the amount used.

How do I know when the Albondigas are cooked?

The Albondigas are cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or when the meatballs are no longer pink in the center.

Can I make Albondigas without rice?

Yes, you can make Albondigas without rice, but the rice helps to bind the meatballs together and adds texture to the soup.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of Albondigas.

How can I make Albondigas spicier?

To make Albondigas spicier, you can add chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.