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Mexican Albondigas Soup

Mexican Albondigas Soup
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Mexican Albondigas Soup is a traditional, hearty soup featuring tender seasoned meatballs simmered in a subtly spiced tomato broth with fresh vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and potatoes. This comforting and nutritious dish balances vibrant flavors and textures, making it perfect for cozy family meals or festive gatherings, with versatile options to customize heat level and ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef or pork
  • 1/4 cup cooked rice
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Broth and Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Fresh cilantro and parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set them aside.
  2. Make the Broth: In a large pot, sauté chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add tomato sauce, chicken or beef broth, and your preferred spices including chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to blend while you prepare the vegetables.
  3. Add Vegetables: Chop carrots, zucchini, and potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Add them to the simmering broth and cook until they are just tender but still hold their shape—typically about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Gently add the meatballs to the hot broth. Simmer everything together for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the meatballs cook through and absorb the soup’s flavors without breaking apart.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, stir in freshly chopped cilantro and parsley for brightness and a lovely herbal touch. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt or pepper as needed.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to avoid dense, tough meatballs.
  • Make all meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
  • Simmer gently rather than boiling to keep broth clear and meatballs tender.
  • Use fresh cilantro at the end for best aroma; dried herbs can be used during cooking.
  • Adjust spice levels to your preference starting mild.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican Albondigas Soup, meatball soup, Mexican soup, comforting soup, hearty soup, traditional Mexican recipe

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/mexican-albondigas-soup/