Albondigas Soup (Mexican Meatball)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion
diced
- 2 medium carrots
diced
- 2 celery stalks
diced
- 1 medium zucchini
diced
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- salt and pepper to taste
- cilantro
optional garnish
- 1 pound ground sirloin beef
- 1/2 cup white rice - long grain
uncooked
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup cilantro
minced
Directions
- 1
Start by making the meatballs. Place all ingredients in a medium bowl (ground sirloin through cilantro) and mix well with hands until ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- 2
Shape meatballs using a small cookie school or a large tablespoon. Roll between hands to form round balls and set aside.
- 3
Begin making the soup by heating oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrots, zucchini and celery as well as a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 7-8 minutes.
- 4
Add garlic, cumin, oregano and chipotle peppers to the pan and heat until fragrant, about 60 seconds, stirring frequently. Pour in chicken broth and lime juice and stir well.
- 5
Increase heat to high and bring entire pot of soup to a low boil. Slowly add in the reserved meatballs and bring back to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook until meatballs are cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- 6
Check soup for seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with minced cilantro to serve.
Albondigas Soup (Mexican Meatball)
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About this Recipe
Craving a bowl of warm, comforting soup that truly satisfies? This Albondigas Soup (Mexican Meatball) recipe is your answer, delivering rich, savory flavors perfect for any day.
Why This Soup Works
What sets this albondigas soup apart is the thoughtful combination of tender, Mexican-style meatballs and a vibrant, hearty broth. The meatballs are infused with fresh cilantro, cumin, and oregano, while the broth is simmered with an array of garden vegetables and the subtle smoky heat of chipotle peppers in adobo. This ensures every spoonful is packed with depth and authenticity, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly heartwarming experience with this Mexican Meatball Soup. You'll enjoy the tender texture of ground sirloin meatballs, plumped with uncooked white rice, nestled among diced carrots, celery, zucchini, and onion. The broth is fragrant with dried oregano, cumin, and garlic, brightened by a hint of lime juice, and given a gentle kick from minced chipotle peppers. It's a robust, flavorful soup that feels both wholesome and deeply satisfying.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to make this soup your own. While ground sirloin beef is specified, you could easily substitute it with ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork for the meatballs. For those who prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or omit them entirely. You can also add other vegetables like potatoes or corn during cooking to further boost its heartiness.
Serving & Context
This Albondigas Soup is ideal for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly evening. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color. A side of warm tortillas or crusty bread would perfectly complement this hearty dish.