Hearty Albondigas Soup: Comfort in Every Bowl

Albondigas soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, filled with tender meatballs swimming in a savory broth that feels as comforting as your favorite blanket. Picture this: the aroma of garlic and spices wafting through your kitchen, making your mouth water, while bits of veggies dance around with juicy meatballs, creating a symphony of flavors that will have you daydreaming about your next bowl.

This delightful dish isn’t just food; it’s a memory maker. I remember the first time I tried albondigas soup at my abuela’s kitchen table. The laughter, the stories, and the warmth of family filled the air like the steam rising from our bowls. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a gathering with friends, this soup brings everyone together for an unforgettable experience.

I can’t forget the time I made this for my friends during a game night, and they practically licked their bowls clean. Their faces lit up with joy, and I knew then that this recipe was a winner.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean meat for healthier meatballs without losing flavor.

• Cooked Rice: Leftover rice works great here; it adds texture to your meatballs.

• Fresh Cilantro: This herb brightens up the soup and adds a refreshing touch.

• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while keeping it flavorful.

• Carrots and Zucchini: These add vibrant colors and crunch to the soup.

• Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics that lay the foundation for a savory broth.

• Spices (Cumin & Oregano): Add depth with these signature Mexican spices.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Make Your Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey with cooked rice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined; don’t overwork it!

Sauté Aromatics: Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent—about 5 minutes—then stir in minced garlic for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Vegetables & Broth: Toss in diced carrots and zucchini into the pot along with vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while enjoying those delicious aromas filling your kitchen.

Form & Cook Meatballs: Roll small portions of the meat mixture into balls—about one inch in diameter—then gently drop them into the simmering broth one by one. Let them cook through for about 15 minutes until they are fully cooked.

Taste & Adjust Seasoning: After cooking, taste your broth! Adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper based on preference. Feel free to toss in more herbs if you’re feeling adventurous!

Serve Hot & Enjoy!: Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh cilantro. Serve alongside crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping; trust me—you’ll want every last drop!

Now you have your own comforting bowl of albondigas soup ready to warm hearts and bellies alike! Enjoy every bite as you savor not just flavors but memories made around steaming bowls of goodness.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meatballs in a pot. This step locks in flavor before adding broth and veggies for that comforting depth.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the rice for quinoa or add more spices to personalize this albondigas soup to your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store the soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove until piping hot for best results.

Cooking albondigas soup always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter and delicious smells filled our home, creating warm memories around the dinner table.

FAQ

What is albondigas soup?

Albondigas soup is a flavorful Mexican meatball soup made with vegetables and spices.

Can I use frozen meatballs in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just add them directly to your boiling broth for convenience.

What sides pair well with albondigas soup?

Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.

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Albondigas Soup

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Indulge in a comforting bowl of Albondigas Soup, a traditional Mexican dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich vegetable broth. Packed with fresh veggies and aromatic spices, this hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Easy to make and full of flavor, it evokes warm memories and brings everyone together around the table.

• Author: Ethan Carter
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean)
• 1 cup cooked rice (leftover works great)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup carrots (diced)
• 1 cup zucchini (diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; do not overwork.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic for an additional minute.
3. Add diced carrots and zucchini to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Form small meatballs (about one inch) from the mixture and carefully drop them into the simmering broth. Cook for about 15 minutes until fully cooked through.
5. Taste the broth; adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg