Traditional Albondigas Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 04, 2025

29

Share

Traditional Albondigas Recipe: A Flavorful Journey into Spanish Cuisine

Albondigas, those delectable meatballs simmered in a rich and savory broth, are a cornerstone of Spanish cuisine. This traditional recipe takes you on a culinary journey, unlocking the secrets to creating authentic, melt-in-your-mouth albondigas that will leave your family and friends craving more. Get ready to experience a taste of Spain in your own kitchen!

Ingredients for the Perfect Albondigas

Before embarking on this flavorful adventure, gather these essential ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (a blend of chuck and sirloin works best)
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves 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 Broth:

• 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Guide to Albondigas Perfection

This recipe breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring a successful albondigas experience for even novice cooks.

Preparing the Meatballs: A Foundation of Flavor

1. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Consistency is key here – aim for meatballs of uniform size for even cooking.

Simmering the Broth: Building a Flavorful Base

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in a bit of olive oil until softened. This step adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Combining and Simmering: The Magic Happens

1. Gently add the meatballs to the simmering broth. Avoid overcrowding the pot; if necessary, cook the meatballs in batches.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully. The longer they simmer, the more tender and flavorful they become!

Serving and Enjoying: A Culinary Celebration

1. Once the albondigas are cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
2. Serve hot, ladling the flavorful broth over a bed of rice or crusty bread. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a final touch of elegance.

Tips for Extraordinarily Delicious Albondigas

• For richer flavor: Use a combination of beef and chicken broth.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatballs for a subtle kick.
• Add vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the broth for added nutrients and flavor.
• Make it ahead: Albondigas taste even better the next day! Prepare them ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.

This traditional albondigas recipe is more than just a meal; it's an experience. Follow these steps, savor the aromas, and enjoy the taste of authentic Spanish cuisine in the comfort of your own home. Buen provecho!