Albondigas Soup
User Reviews
4.7
Albondigas Soup
Description
This Albondigas Soup starts with meatballs made from extra lean ground beef mixed with rice, garlic, onion, mint, parsley, oregano, and warm spices like cumin and chili powder. The meatballs are gently shaped to hold together during cooking. They cook in a broth containing sautéed onions, garlic, carrot, potatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and water, which develops a rich and savory base.
Simmering the meatballs carefully preserves their tender texture while infusing the broth with their flavor. The soup finishes with fresh lemon juice, cilantro, and parsley, offering bright herbal notes and a touch of acidity that balances the earthiness from the meat and vegetables.
This soup is a filling, wholesome dish ideal as a main course. Adjusting seasoning at the end allows for personal taste preferences. The moderate spice level adds warmth without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
To avoid meatballs falling apart, mix the meat gently and shape them loosely. Using ground turkey is a possible lighter substitution. The soup can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to three days to deepen flavors. Serving with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or sliced avocado enhances freshness and garnish.
Ingredients
For Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef extra lean
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ onion chopped
- ½ cup rice long grain, uncooked (I used Basmati)
- 1 egg beaten
- ¼ cup mint fresh, chopped
- ¼ cup parsley fresh, chopped
- ¼ cup oregano fresh, chopped or about 1 tbsp dry oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
For Albondigas soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large carrot chopped to your liking
- 2 medium potato peeled and chopped into 1 inch cubes
- 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes 1 can
- 3 cups beef broth low sodium
- 3 cups water
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons cilantro fresh, chopped
- 2 tablespoons parsley fresh, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl add all the meatball ingredients together and mix well. Shape into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. You should get about 25 to 30 meatballs, depending on how big you make them. Place meatballs in fridge until ready to add to soup.
- Heat the olive oil in a heavy bottom 5 qt pot to medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook until onion is translucent, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add chopped carrots and potatoes to pot and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until you get a nice caramelization going.
- Add the tomatoes, broth, water and seasonings. Bring to a boil and turn down heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add meatballs to pot one at a time, slowly. Using a wooden spoon slowly stir. Cover and let cook over low to medium heat for another 15 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through. Add lemon juice and herbs and taste and adjust for seasoning.
Notes
- Handle the meat mixture gently to prevent meatballs from falling apart during cooking.
- Add a pinch of cumin to the broth to deepen the soup's flavor.
- Ground turkey can substitute beef or pork for a lighter option.
- This soup stores well refrigerated for up to three days allowing flavors to develop.
- Fresh garnishes like cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado can brighten and complement the soup.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 332 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 332kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 76mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 598mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 1031mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 2644IU | 53% |
| Vitamin C | 27mg | 30% |
| Calcium | 109mg | 11% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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