Albondigas soup is a traditional Mexican dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. This delightful recipe features tender beef and rice meatballs simmered in a rich tomato broth, accompanied by nutritious vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and zucchini. Perfect for both kids and adults, this soup is a family favorite that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup white onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
For the Soup
- 48 ounces low-sodium chicken broth
- 15 ounces crushed tomatoes (undrained)
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 3-4 large russet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Optional: Freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, onion, rice, garlic, salt, cumin, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 2-inch meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
- Make the Soup:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Gently add the meatballs to the boiling broth. Cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, and zucchini to the pot. Boil for an additional 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. If necessary, add 2-3 cups of water to achieve desired consistency. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are fork-tender.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
Grocery List
To make shopping easier, here’s a consolidated grocery list:
- Lean ground beef (1 pound)
- Eggs (1 large)
- White onion (½ cup)
- Long-grain white rice (¼ cup)
- Garlic (3 cloves)
- Salt (to taste)
- Ground cumin (2 teaspoons)
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
- Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon)
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon)
- Low-sodium chicken broth (48 ounces)
- Crushed tomatoes (15 ounces)
- Carrots (3 large)
- Russet potatoes (3-4 large)
- Zucchini (2 medium)
- Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional for garnish)
Tips and Notes
- You can use ground turkey or pork as an alternative to beef for a lighter version of this soup.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or green beans for extra nutrition.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.
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Albondigas soup is not only comforting but also a nutritious option that brings joy to every meal. Enjoy this hearty dish with your loved ones!
