Experience the warmth and comfort of Mexican home-cooked goodness with Albondigas Soup, a hearty dish featuring juicy meatballs nestled in a flavorful tomato-based broth. This culinary creation not only satisfies the taste buds but also brings together a medley of vegetables for a wholesome family-friendly meal. In this article, we’ll explore the delightful combination of ingredients and guide you through the steps to create this Mexican Meatball Soup.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup (50 g) long-grain rice
- 1 medium egg
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (coriander)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced or sliced
- 2-3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cup (250 g) potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 cup (150 g) green beans, sliced
- 1 1/2 cup (330 ml) tomato sauce (passata)
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) beef stock
- A handful of fresh cilantro (coriander), roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef with rice, egg, garlic, cilantro, mint, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly and use a scoop to form meatballs. Place them on a tray and refrigerate while you prepare the soup.
- Saute the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Saute diced onion, carrot, and celery over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until softened.
- Add finely chopped garlic and continue cooking for another minute.
- Build the Soup Base:
- Introduce potatoes, zucchini, green beans, tomato sauce, oregano, and beef broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add the Meatballs:
- Carefully place the refrigerated meatballs into the simmering soup.
- Cook and Infuse Flavors:
- Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in fresh cilantro, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Albondigas Soup hot, savoring the rich flavors and hearty goodness.
Conclusion:
Albondigas Soup is not just a meal; it’s a journey into the heart of Mexican comfort cuisine. With each spoonful of this flavorful concoction, you’ll find yourself transported to a place where warmth, tradition, and savory delights come together. Enjoy the culinary adventure that Albondigas Soup brings to your table, creating memories and savoring the essence of Mexican home-cooked goodness.
