Albondigas Soup (Mexican Meatball Soup)

Albondigas Soup: A Warm and Hearty Mexican Meatball Soup

Albondigas Soup, a classic Mexican comfort dish, is a flavorful and hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re in the mood for a satisfying meal. This delicious soup features tender meatballs made with ground beef, rice, and fresh herbs, simmered in a rich broth with vegetables. It’s a dish that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• ¼ cup (50 g) long-grain rice
• 1 medium egg
• 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (coriander)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium carrot, diced or sliced
• 2-3 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 ½ cups (250 g) potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 medium zucchini, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 cup (150 g) green beans, sliced
• 1 ½ cups (330 ml) tomato sauce (passata)
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped
• 6 cups (1.5 liters) beef stock
• A handful of fresh cilantro (coriander), roughly chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, egg, garlic, cilantro, mint, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until fully incorporated. Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a tray and refrigerate them while you prepare the rest of the soup.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and starting to brown.

3. Add Garlic:

• Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.

4. Build the Soup:

• Add the potatoes, zucchini, green beans, tomato sauce, oregano, and beef stock to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.

5. Cook the Soup:

• Gently add the meatballs to the soup, ensuring they are submerged in the broth. Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer on medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

6. Finish and Serve:

• Stir in the fresh cilantro and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, enjoying the comforting flavors of this traditional Mexican dish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories: ~239 kcal per serving

Albondigas Soup is a perfect combination of savory meatballs and vibrant vegetables, all simmered together in a deliciously seasoned broth. This recipe is not only comforting and filling but also rich in flavor, thanks to the fresh herbs and perfectly cooked vegetables. Serve it with warm tortillas or crusty bread to make it an even more satisfying meal.

Give this Albondigas Soup recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below.

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