Albondigas Soup Recipe: A Flavorful and Hearty Meal
Are you looking for a comforting and flavorful soup recipe that's perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend? Look no further than this delicious albondigas soup recipe! Albondigas soup, a staple in many cultures, is a hearty and satisfying dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich and savory broth. This recipe will guide you through creating this classic soup, ensuring a delicious and memorable meal.
What is Albondigas Soup?
Albondigas soup, literally translating to "meatballs" in Spanish, is a type of soup characterized by its flavorful broth and tender meatballs. The meatballs, typically made from ground beef or a combination of ground meats, are simmered in a broth often flavored with vegetables, spices, and herbs. The result is a warm, comforting, and intensely flavorful soup perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your needs.
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (can substitute with a blend of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup:
- 8 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Making the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
Making the Soup:
- In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, and cumin. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the beef broth. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the browned meatballs to the soup. Return to a simmer, cover, and cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Your Albondigas Soup:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for the Best Albondigas Soup:
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs: Browning the meatballs before adding them to the soup adds a deeper, richer flavor.
- Simmer gently: Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through gently.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices and herbs to your liking.
- Add other vegetables: You can add other vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, or green beans to the soup.
This albondigas soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Enjoy this flavorful and comforting soup with your family and friends. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let us know in the comments how your albondigas soup turned out!