Description
Albondigas Soup, also known as Mexican Meatball Soup, is a comforting and flavorful dish made with tender beef meatballs, vegetables, and fresh herbs simmered in a savory broth.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 quarts chicken stock or beef stock
- 1 quart water
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/3 cup white rice
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh spearmint leaves (or Mexican yerba buena)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups frozen or fresh peas
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
- 1 dash cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Add the chicken or beef stock, water, and tomato sauce to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in the green beans and carrots.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked white rice, chopped spearmint, parsley, salt, pepper, and raw egg. Mix until just combined.
4. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
5. Gently add the meatballs to the simmering soup one at a time. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Add the peas, oregano, additional salt and pepper to taste, and a dash of cayenne if using. Simmer for a few more minutes until peas are tender.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
Use fresh spearmint or Mexican yerba buena for the most authentic flavor. If unavailable, a few teaspoons of dried mint from herbal tea can work.
Feel free to add zucchini, corn, or other vegetables based on what you have on hand.
Ground turkey can be substituted for the ground beef.
This soup is gluten-free and perfect for a nourishing family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 341
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg