Albóndigas soup, a beloved Mexican classic, brings warmth and satisfaction to the whole family. This hearty dish is a favorite in Mexican eateries, renowned for its succulent meatballs and vegetable abundance.
Perfect for chilly days, the mildness derived from potatoes and a tomato-based broth makes it kid-friendly, a hit among both young and adult patrons.
The inclusion of veggies from your crisper drawer not only enhances its nutritional value but also adds a delightful heartiness. The meatballs, crafted with tender beef, rice instead of breadcrumbs, and a blend of spices and fresh herbs, offer a light and juicy sensation.
The soup’s comforting base combines easy-roasted tomato sauce with chicken broth, while onions, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and green beans contribute texture and flavor.
Albóndigas soup is a simple, healthy, and satisfying recipe that transcends generations.
What is Albondiga Soup?
Albondigas Soup is basically Meatball Soup, and it’s much more exciting than it sounds! This soup is bursting with delicious flavors that make it far from ordinary.
The meatballs are infused with spices like cumin, garlic, and chili powder, giving the soup a cozy warmth. They’re also filled with fresh cilantro and mint, adding a refreshing and light touch to the meatballs. You might be surprised by the mint, but trust me, it works.
While you can make some substitutions if needed, I strongly recommend trying the original recipe to get the complete and tasty experience!
Special Albondiga Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot (5-quart)
- Mixing Bowl
- Ladle
- Cooking Spoon
- Cutting Board and Knife
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 pound ground meat
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice
- 2 tbsp spearmint leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 cup peas
- oregano
- cayenne
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add onion, cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Then, add garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Pour in stock, water, and tomato sauce. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Add green beans and carrots.
- Mix uncooked rice, spearmint leaves, parsley, salt, and pepper with the meat in a large bowl. Add a raw egg and blend.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Add them to the simmering soup one by one. Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- Towards the end, add peas, a pinch of oregano, salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Notes
- While this soup may certainly fill you up on its own, I usually round it off with some bread or tortilla chips.
- If you want your meatballs to stay tender, make sure the soup doesn’t boil.
- The spice level of this Mexican meatball soup is described as modest. You can spice up the soup with some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like things on the spicy side.
- Carefully form the meatballs without over-mixing the ground meat mixture to keep them from crumbling.
Nutrition
Tips For Making the Best Albondiga Soup!
For the best albondigas soup, follow these simple tips:
- Meat: Ensure consistent meatball size by using a cookie scoop for the ground beef.
- Garlic: Use 4-6 fresh garlic cloves to make 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
- Flavor Boost: Enhance flavor with diced onions and zucchini. Top with sour cream and sliced avocados.
- Fresh Mint: For a traditional touch, add fresh mint to the soup.
- Lime Wedges: Garnish bowls with lime wedges for a zesty kick.
- Spice it Up: Add heat with hot sauce, chili powder, jalapeños, or red chili flakes.
- Thickening: Use tomato sauce, tomato paste, or white rice to thicken the soup.
- Broth Options: Substitute stock for broth, or try beef broth instead of chicken broth.
These easy tips will help you perfect your albondigas soup.
What Can We Serve with Albondiga Soup?
Well, there are multiple options that we can try for serving with Albondiga Soup but it can definitely vary from person to person based on my experience and experience I got by observing people and their choices in various restaurants I can say that it is best paired with Mexican Cornbread Muffins but can also pair well with Creamy Tacos and Tacos al Pastor.
