Albondigas Soup

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Albondigas Soup. Growing up, my grandmother would make this hearty dish on chilly evenings, filling the house with irresistible aromas that beckoned us to the kitchen. The combination of savory meatballs, fresh vegetables, and rich broth created a symphony of flavors that warmed our souls. It’s a dish that not only nourishes the body but also nourishes the spirit, reminding me of family gatherings and cozy nights in. When I take a sip of this soup, I’m transported back to those moments, surrounded by loved ones, laughter, and the simple joys of life. Now, I want to share this delightful recipe with you, hoping it brings as much warmth and happiness to your home as it has to mine.

What to Gather for Albondigas Soup

To create an unforgettable Albondigas Soup, you’ll need a blend of flavorful ingredients that work harmoniously together. The key players are the ground beef for the savory meatballs, fresh herbs for brightness, and a rich broth that ties everything together. These ingredients not only add depth to the soup but also create a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

• Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef will form the base of your meatballs, providing them with rich flavor and a satisfying texture.
• Egg: 1 beaten egg helps bind the meatballs together, ensuring they hold their shape during cooking.
• Minced Garlic: 2 teaspoons of minced garlic adds a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to the meatballs.
• Fresh Cilantro: ½ cup of chopped fresh cilantro provides a bright, fresh taste that complements the soup beautifully.
• Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon of cumin adds an earthy warmth that is essential for authentic flavor.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon of salt enhances all flavors in the soup.
• Pepper: ¼ teaspoon of pepper adds a subtle kick to the meatballs.
• Cooked Rice: ½ cup of optional cooked rice can be added into the meatball mixture for extra heartiness.
• Olive Oil: 1-2 tablespoons for browning the meatballs, giving them a lovely golden crust.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth forms the soup’s flavorful base.
• Carrot: ½ sliced carrot adds sweetness and color to the soup.
• Celery: 1 chopped celery stalk adds crunch and flavor to the broth.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: 1 (16-ounce) can of diced tomatoes provides acidity and depth to the soup.
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon of oregano adds a beautiful herbal note to the dish.
• Potato: 1 diced potato brings heartiness and absorbent texture to the soup.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, to ensure your soup is perfectly seasoned.

Recipe Steps for Albondigas Soup

Getting started with Albondigas Soup is a breeze. Once you gather your ingredients, you’ll find the steps easy to follow. Let’s dive into the cooking process so you can enjoy this comforting dish in no time!

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1 beaten egg, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ½ cup cooked rice. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly; you want to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the meatballs tough.

2. Form 20-24 tight meatballs by rolling the mixture between your palms, aiming for about 1½ inches in diameter. This size ensures they cook evenly and fit nicely in your soup. Set them aside on a plate, ready for browning.

3. In a hot pan over medium heat, add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil and allow it to heat up. Once hot, gently place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides for a few minutes until they develop a nice golden crust. This step adds flavor and helps keep them intact during cooking.

4. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside. In the same pot, pour in 4 cups chicken broth. The fond left from browning the meatballs will enhance the broth’s flavor significantly.

5. Add ½ sliced carrot, 1 chopped celery stalk, 1 (16-ounce) can diced tomatoes, ½ teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, and ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves to the broth. Stir everything together, letting the flavors start to meld.

6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a mild simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the vegetables to soften and the flavors to develop.

7. Now it’s time to add the meatballs back into the pot along with 1 diced potato. Drop them gently into the simmering soup. The potato will add a wonderful heartiness while absorbing all that delicious broth.

8. Let everything cook together, slightly boiling, for about 20 minutes. During this time, the meatballs will finish cooking, and the flavors will deepen. Keep an eye on the texture of the potato; it should be tender but not mushy.

9. Once cooked, taste your soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy the warm, fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen at this point!

10. Serve your Albondigas Soup warm, garnished with some fresh parsley if desired. Each bowl is a hearty reflection of love and tradition, perfect for gathering around the table.

Variations to Try

If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some fun variations to consider for your Albondigas Soup. With its adaptable nature, you can customize it to fit your taste preferences and make it a dish that everyone will love!

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the broth for an extra kick of heat.
• Different Proteins: Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh herbs like mint or parsley for a different flavor profile. Mint is particularly traditional in some variations.
• Vegetable Boost: Add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. The more, the merrier!
• Rice Substitution: Instead of white rice, consider using quinoa or farro for a nutty twist.
• Broth Variations: For a more robust flavor, substitute half of the chicken broth with beef broth.
• Make it a Stew: Thicken the soup by adding a cornstarch slurry or reducing the liquid to create a heartier stew-like consistency.

How to Serve Albondigas Soup

Serving Albondigas Soup is all about creating a cozy experience that enhances the flavors of the dish. Here’s how I love to serve this comforting soup:

• Accompany with Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread or tortillas for dipping, making it an interactive meal.
• Perfect for Dinner: This soup is ideal for dinner gatherings, offering a fulfilling and warming meal that everyone will appreciate.
• Seasonal Delight: It’s especially great during the winter months, providing that much-needed warmth and comfort.
• Garnish Smart: Top with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the broth.
• Lunch Meal Prep: Pack leftovers for work lunches, as it reheats well and retains its flavors, making it an excellent on-the-go option.
• Family Gatherings: This soup makes a fantastic centerpiece for family gatherings, inviting everyone to share and enjoy.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

FAQ

Conclusion

In essence, Albondigas Soup is a heartwarming dish that brings together the comforting flavors of home cooking. It’s a recipe that can be easily customized, allowing you to make it your own. I encourage you to try making this delightful soup; I promise it will not only satisfy your cravings but will also create cherished memories around the dinner table.

Albondigas Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Albondigas Soup is a hearty blend of savory meatballs, fresh vegetables, and rich broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this easy weeknight dinner will warm your heart and soul. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Soups

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Ground Beef
• 1 large Egg beaten
• 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
• ½ cup Fresh Cilantro chopped
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Pepper
• ½ cup Cooked Rice optional
• 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
• ½ cup Carrot sliced
• 1 stalk Celery cut into chunks
• 1 16-ounce can Canned Diced Tomatoes undrained
• ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Oregano
• ½ cup Fresh Cilantro
• 1 large Potato diced
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Cutting Board
• Saucepan
• Frying pan
• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1 beaten egg, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ½ cup cooked rice. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly; you want to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the meatballs tough.
2. Form 20-24 tight meatballs by rolling the mixture between your palms, aiming for about 1½ inches in diameter. This size ensures they cook evenly and fit nicely in your soup. Set them aside on a plate, ready for browning.
3. In a hot pan over medium heat, add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil and allow it to heat up. Once hot, gently place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides for a few minutes until they develop a nice golden crust. This step adds flavor and helps keep them intact during cooking.
4. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside. In the same pot, pour in 4 cups chicken broth. The fond left from browning the meatballs will enhance the broth's flavor significantly.
5. Add ½ sliced carrot, 1 chopped celery stalk, 1 (16-ounce) can diced tomatoes, ½ teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, and ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves to the broth. Stir everything together, letting the flavors start to meld.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a mild simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the vegetables to soften and the flavors to develop.
7. Now it’s time to add the meatballs back into the pot along with 1 diced potato. Drop them gently into the simmering soup. The potato will add a wonderful heartiness while absorbing all that delicious broth.
8. Let everything cook together, slightly boiling, for about 20 minutes. During this time, the meatballs will finish cooking, and the flavors will deepen. Keep an eye on the texture of the potato; it should be tender but not mushy.
9. Once cooked, taste your soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy the warm, fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen at this point!
10. Serve your Albondigas Soup warm, garnished with some fresh parsley if desired. Each bowl is a hearty reflection of love and tradition, perfect for gathering around the table.

Notes

• Tip 1: Use 80/20 ground beef for the most flavorful meatballs.
• Tip 2: You could use frozen or pre-made meatballs.
• Tip 3: Traditional albondigas soup has fresh mint in the meatballs; feel free to add instead of cilantro.
• Tip 4: To keep the meatballs from falling apart, be sure to brown them in a skillet first.
• Tip 5: Cut all the vegetables about the same size so they cook evenly.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!