Albondigas Soup: A Flavorful Fiesta in a Bowl
This recipe will guide you through making a comforting and flavorful Albondigas soup, a Mexican classic. Perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy family meal, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and bursting with deliciousness. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed.
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (you can also use a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Soup:
- 8 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Delicious Meatballs:
- Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Set aside.
Building the Flavorful Soup:
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a little more oil until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer and Combine: Add the browned meatballs and chicken broth to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!
Serving Your Albondigas Masterpiece:
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for Extra Flavorful Albondigas:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Use different meats: Experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or a combination of meats.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Make it your own: Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.