There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of Albondigas Soup that wraps you in warmth like a favorite blanket. This delightful dish features tender meatballs made from ground turkey or chicken, mingling with vibrant veggies and fragrant herbs in a savory broth. Each spoonful is a hug for your soul, perfect for those chilly nights when you just want to snuggle up and savor something comforting. With a splash of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this soup is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that will make your heart sing!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love the hearty flavors that warm your soul.
- This one’s a game-changer for cozy nights in with family or friends.
- It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
- Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s comfort food you can feel good about.
- Customize it to your taste—add veggies or spice it up as you like!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – a lean option for hearty meatballs.
- Rice – adds texture and heartiness to the meatballs.
- Egg – binds the meatball mixture together.
- Garlic – infuses flavor into the soup.
- Onion – adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Carrots – provides a touch of sweetness and color.
- Celery – adds crunch and enhances the soup’s flavor.
- Tomato Sauce – creates a rich, savory base for the soup.
- Chicken Broth – a lighter alternative to beef broth for a flavorful soup.
- Cilantro – freshens up the dish with a burst of flavor.
- Chili Powder – adds a mild kick to the soup.
- Salt and Pepper – essential for seasoning to taste.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Gather your ingredients: ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, egg, cilantro, and spices.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything together with your hands until well combined. Don’t be shy, get in there!
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a plate as you go.
In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and your favorite spices like cumin and paprika. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Carefully add the meatballs to the pot, making sure they’re submerged in the broth.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens!
After 30 minutes, add chopped carrots and zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
Let it simmer for another 15 minutes until the veggies are tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for that extra zing!
Enjoy your cozy bowl of Albondigas Soup with some crusty bread or tortillas on the side!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meatball option.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of flavor.
- Let the soup simmer longer to deepen the flavors; patience is key!
- Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete cozy meal.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño to suit your taste.
How to Serve
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick.
- Serve with warm corn tortillas or crusty bread.
- Pair with a side of avocado slices for creaminess.
- Top with diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Offer a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for richness.
- Enjoy with a refreshing side salad to balance the meal.
- For a fun twist, serve in bread bowls for a cozy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers is easy and helps you enjoy your Albondigas Soup later.
Storing Leftovers
- Let the soup cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Cool the soup completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Leave some space at the top for expansion.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat.
- Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
- Stir occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
What can I use instead of pork in Albondigas Soup?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for pork in Albondigas Soup. These lean meats will still provide a delicious flavor while keeping the dish light and healthy. Just be sure to season them well to enhance the taste!
Can I make Albondigas Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Albondigas Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What vegetables can I add to the soup?
You can customize your Albondigas Soup by adding vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. These not only add nutrition but also enhance the flavor and texture of the soup, making it even more comforting!
How do I store leftovers of Albondigas Soup?
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—Albondigas Soup, the ultimate cozy dish that warms both the heart and the belly! With its delightful flavors and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for any night you crave a little comfort. Gather your loved ones, serve it up, and enjoy the smiles that come with every spoonful. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Albondigas Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large bowl For mixing the meatball ingredients.
- 1 Large pot For cooking the soup.
- 1 Plate For placing the formed meatballs.
- 1 Spoon For stirring the soup.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef A lean option for hearty meatballs.
- 1/2 cup Rice Adds texture and heartiness to the meatballs.
- 1 large Egg Binds the meatball mixture together.
Soup Ingredients
- 2 cloves Garlic Infuses flavor into the soup.
- 1 medium Onion Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 2 medium Carrots Provides a touch of sweetness and color.
- 2 stalks Celery Adds crunch and enhances the soup’s flavor.
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce Creates a rich, savory base for the soup.
- 4 cups Chicken Broth A lighter alternative to beef broth for a flavorful soup.
- 1/4 cup Cilantro Freshens up the dish with a burst of flavor.
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder Adds a mild kick to the soup.
- to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning to taste.
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
- Gather your ingredients: ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, egg, cilantro, and spices.
Mix Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands until well combined. Don’t be shy, get in there!
Form Meatballs
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a plate as you go.
Cook Soup
- In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and your favorite spices like cumin and paprika. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully add the meatballs to the pot, making sure they’re submerged in the broth. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens!
- After 30 minutes, add chopped carrots and zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Let it simmer for another 15 minutes until the veggies are tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for that extra zing! Enjoy your cozy bowl of Albondigas Soup with some crusty bread or tortillas on the side!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
