Description
Sopa de Albondigas is a traditional Mexican meatball soup made with tender beef or pork meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a light tomato-based broth. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or pork (or a mix)
- 1/4 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, rice, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Mix well and form into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Add carrots, celery, and green beans. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, and broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering broth. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Add zucchini and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until all vegetables and meatballs are cooked through.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving if desired.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pot with meatballs; work in batches if necessary.
- Uncooked rice in the meatballs will cook and expand during simmering, helping them stay tender.
- Serve with warm tortillas or a side of rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg