If you’re looking for a soup that offers the perfect blend of rich flavors, tender meatballs, and hearty vegetables, the Albondigas recipe is exactly what you need. This traditional Mexican soup is as comforting as it is delicious, combining beef and rice meatballs simmered in a robust tomato broth alongside potatoes, carrots, and zucchini. With a balance of spices and fresh ingredients, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy any soup lover, from kids to adults.
What is Albondigas?
Albondigas, which means “meatballs” in Spanish, is a popular dish in Mexican cuisine. The meatballs in this recipe are typically made with a combination of ground beef, rice, and spices, providing a flavorful and tender bite. These meatballs are cooked in a tomato-based broth and paired with an assortment of vegetables like potatoes and carrots to create a wholesome, complete meal.
Ingredients for Albondigas Soup
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
- 1/2 cup cooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3 carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 6 cups beef broth
- 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 large zucchini, quartered and sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Albondigas Soup
1. Preparing the Meatballs
The foundation of Albondigas soup lies in its delicious meatballs. To create them, follow these steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, garlic, egg, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Using clean hands, gently mix all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 3/4 inch in size. This should yield approximately 20-25 meatballs, depending on how large you make them.
- Place the formed meatballs on a tray or plate, and set them aside while you prepare the soup base.
2. Creating the Soup Base
The next step in making Albondigas soup is to prepare the flavorful broth:
- In a large pot, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sliced carrots, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the onions start to soften.
- Add minced garlic to the pot, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth, followed by the diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato sauce, ground cumin, and dried oregano.
- Stir the mixture, then add the potatoes, and bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat.
3. Cooking the Meatballs in the Soup
- Once the broth has reached a simmer, gently drop the prepared meatballs into the pot one by one. The meatballs will cook directly in the simmering broth, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Allow the meatballs to cook in the soup for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to bring the soup to a rapid boil, as this can cause the meatballs to break apart or become tough.
- After 10 minutes, add the zucchini and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are fully cooked.
4. Final Seasoning and Serving
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in chopped cilantro just before serving to add a fresh burst of flavor.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring that each serving includes a few meatballs, plenty of vegetables, and a generous amount of broth.
Tips for the Best Albondigas Soup
Making the perfect Albondigas soup requires a few key tips and tricks. Here are some expert pointers to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time:
Use Cooked Rice for the Meatballs
Many traditional Albondigas recipes call for uncooked rice in the meatballs, which requires a longer cooking time and can lead to the meatballs breaking apart. By using cooked rice, you not only shorten the cooking time but also help the meatballs hold their shape better.
Cut Vegetables Evenly
For consistent cooking, be sure to cut your potatoes, carrots, and zucchini into evenly sized pieces. This ensures that all the vegetables are tender at the same time as the meatballs.
Simmer, Don’t Boil
It’s crucial to simmer the soup rather than letting it boil vigorously. A slow simmer helps keep the meatballs tender and prevents them from falling apart. A rapid boil can cause the meatballs to become tough and can break down the texture of the vegetables.
Add Fresh Herbs at the End
While dried spices like cumin and oregano are added early in the cooking process, it’s best to add fresh herbs such as cilantro at the very end. This preserves their fresh, vibrant flavor and ensures they don’t become wilted or overcooked.
Customizing Your Albondigas Soup
The beauty of Albondigas soup is that it’s highly customizable. Here are some variations to try depending on your preferences or dietary needs:
1. Protein Variations
While ground beef is traditional for Albondigas, you can easily swap it out for other proteins such as:
- Ground chicken
- Ground turkey
- Ground pork
Each type of meat brings a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes.
2. Vegetable Additions
Want to pack even more nutrients into your soup? Consider adding additional vegetables like:
- Celery
- Green beans
- Spinach
- Corn
These veggies not only add more flavor and texture but also make the soup even heartier.
3. Spice It Up
If you prefer a soup with a little more kick, try these additions to elevate the spice level:
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the broth for a spicy twist.
- Stir in a few teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce for an extra zing.
- Garnish the finished soup with sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers for added heat.
4. Slow Cooker Method
For a hands-off cooking approach, you can easily make Albondigas soup in a slow cooker. To do this:
- Prepare the meatballs as directed.
- Add all the ingredients, including the raw meatballs, to your slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
If you’re concerned about the meatballs falling apart in the slow cooker, you can briefly broil them in the oven for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the crockpot. This will help them hold their shape better during the long, slow cooking process.
Serving Suggestions for Albondigas Soup
This soup is hearty enough to be served as a complete meal on its own, but there are a few ways you can enhance the experience:
- Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, a few slices of avocado, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of brightness.
- Pair the soup with a light green salad or a side of Mexican rice for a balanced meal.
Nutritional Information
For those keeping an eye on their nutritional intake, here’s a breakdown of the approximate values for one serving of Albondigas soup:
- Calories: 269 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 678mg
- Potassium: 1060mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 5580 IU
- Vitamin C: 24.2 mg
- Calcium: 84 mg
- Iron: 4.2 mg
Albondigas soup is a timeless dish that brings the warmth and comfort of home-cooked food to your table. With its tender meatballs, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables, it’s the perfect recipe for any occasion, whether you’re serving a family meal or simply craving something warm and satisfying. With its flexibility for customization and rich flavors, this Mexican meatball soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
FAQs About Albondigas Recipe
1. Can I Make Albondigas Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, Albondigas soup can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent option for meal prep or for busy days. You can prepare the meatballs and soup base separately, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply bring the soup base to a simmer, add the pre-made meatballs, and continue with the recipe as usual.
2. Can I Freeze Albondigas Soup?
Absolutely! Albondigas soup freezes very well. We recommend freezing the soup without the zucchini to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container or freezer bag, leaving some space for expansion. The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop. If desired, you can add fresh zucchini during reheating.
3. Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for the Meatballs?
Definitely. While ground beef is traditional in Albondigas, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken, turkey, or pork. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the dish, and ground chicken or turkey can offer a leaner alternative. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as these meats may cook a bit faster than beef.
