Name: Meatball Soup (Sopa De Albondigas) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons coriander seeds; 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds; 4 whole cloves; 1 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks, broken; 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice; 2 tablespoons grated fresh onions; 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided; 1 lb ground round; 1 large egg white; 1 garlic clove, minced; cooking spray; 3 cups chopped green cabbage; 2 cups chopped onions; 1 cup sliced carrot; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 1/2 tablespoons drained chopped chipotle chiles in adobo; 2 (14 ounce) cans reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth; 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can whole fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained and chopped; 1 1/2 cups cubed peeled baking potatoes

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Are you craving a warm and nurturing meal that’s full of flavor and packed with protein? Look no further than this recipe for meatball soup, or sopa de albondigas, which combines the hearty goodness of Mexican albondigas with the satisfying comfort of a classic American soup.

As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I have always been fascinated by the way diverse cultures create their own unique dishes using similar ingredients. This incredible recipe is a perfect example of how different elements can come together to create something truly special.

The albondigas meatballs are made of ground beef and pork, mixed with onions, garlic, mint leaves, cinnamon sticks, and other savory spices. These flavors meld together to make the most irresistible meatballs you’ve ever tasted.

The soup base is made by sautéing carrots, celery, onions and green cabbage in olive oil before adding chicken stock seasoned with garlic, fire-roasted tomatoes and chipotle chili for an added kick. If you’re looking for a taste explosion that will transport you straight to Mexico from your kitchen, this soup is it.

I hope this recipe brings joy to your taste buds as much as it has to mine. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty: the ingredient list and how-to instructions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you ready to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey? Look no further than this delicious and comforting Meatball Soup recipe, also known as Sopa De Albondigas. Why will you love this recipe? Let me count the ways.

First of all, this soup is packed with bold and savory flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight. The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes, chipotle chiles in adobo, chili powder, cinnamon sticks, cloves and cumin seeds give it a rich and complex flavor that will leave you feeling satisfied and warm inside.

But it’s not just the flavorful broth that makes this dish so irresistible. The meatballs are the real stars of the show, made with juicy ground beef that’s perfectly seasoned with garlic, salt and pepper. With each bite you’ll enjoy the satisfying texture of these perfectly cooked meatballs.

What’s more, this soup recipe is incredibly versatile. You can even customize it by making substitutions or variations to fit your preferences. Don’t like beef? Try using ground pork instead. Want to add more vegetables? Throw in some chopped celery or green cabbage for an extra nutritional boost.

All in all, this Meatball Soup recipe is simply irresistible. It’s a classic Mexican comfort food that will warm you up from the inside out on even the chilliest days. So why not try making it for your next dinner party or cozy night in? Trust me, your taste buds (and your stomach) will thank you.

Ingredient List

A hearty and comforting bowl of Sopa De Albondigas.

Let’s talk about the ingredients that are needed to make this delicious Mexican Meatball Soup, also known as Sopa de Albondigas. The ingredients list may look long, but most of them are pantry staples or vegetables that you may already have at home. Here is what you will need:

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup long-grain white rice
1/3 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1 small white onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 white onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 quarts chicken stock or broth
2 baking potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cinnamon sticks
3 whole cloves
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 chipotle chiles in adobo
-1 teaspoon chili powder
-1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
-4 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
-Salt to taste

The Recipe How-To

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is a traditional Mexican meatball soup, known as “Sopa De Albondigas.” It’s a flavorful soup that has a combination of fire-roasted tomatoes, chipotle chiles in adobo, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. The combination of these spices makes for a warm, comforting dish that you’ll love.

Preparation

Before we can begin cooking the soup, we need to prepare the meatballs and vegetables. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 lb of ground pork, 1/4 cup of cooked long-grain white rice, 1/4 cup of minced white onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and a handful of chopped fresh mint leaves. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Roll the mixture into small meatballs and set aside.

Peel and chop two baking potatoes into small cubes. Peel and slice one carrot into thin rounds. Chop half an onion into small cubes. Mince one garlic clove. Shred a handful of green cabbage into small pieces. Dice one celery stalk into small pieces.

Cooking the Soup

In a large pot over medium heat, pour two tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot add the onion, garlic, carrot, celery and cook until vegetables are tender. Add two quarts of chicken stock or broth to the pot followed by one can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes (14 oz), two chipotle chiles in adobo (finely chopped) and sprinkle chili powder (1 tablespoon). Stir well.

Drop the meatballs into the soup one by one and make sure they’re fully immersed in the soup. Reduce heat to low-medium heat so as not to break apart the meatballs being cooked inside. Add four cinnamon sticks to impart that unique flavor with cloves (~3). Cover with lid partially open so pressure release.

Allow the soup to simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Remove the cinnamon sticks before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves, diced fresh onions, and lime wedges. You can also serve it with a side of long-grain white rice or cornbread.

This soup is excellent on its own, but if you want to add something else to your plate, consider pairing it with a classic Mexican dish like fideo (noodle soup) or arroz con pollo (chicken and rice soup).

That’s it! You’re all done cooking this delicious Albondigas Soup recipe. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

Warm up from the inside out with this delicious soup.

Nothing beats a good meatball soup, but that doesn’t mean we can’t switch things up a bit! Here are some substitutions and variations to try out:

– Ground Beef: Ground pork, turkey, or chicken can be used instead of beef. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly with each meat.

– Fire-roasted Tomatoes: If you can’t find fire-roasted tomatoes at your local grocery store, diced tomatoes or canned stewed tomatoes will work just fine.

– Chipotle Chiles in Adobo: For a milder soup, use only one chipotle pepper or eliminate it altogether.

– Vegetarian Option: To make this a vegetarian soup, substitute ground beef with textured vegetable protein or tofu. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

– Spices: Try experimenting with different spices to create a new flavor profile. Add some smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for some heat, curry powder for a unique twist, or even some cocoa powder for an unexpected richness.

– Greens: While cabbage is typically used in this soup, you can also use other greens such as spinach or kale. This will add an extra layer of nutrients to your meal.

– Rice: If you prefer something heartier than long-grain white rice, try using brown rice or quinoa instead. Or skip the rice altogether and make a noodle soup using fideo pasta.

Remember, the possibilities are endless with albondigas soup. Have fun and don’t be afraid to get creative!

Serving and Pairing

Homemade meatballs swimming in a flavorful broth.

When serving Sopa de Albondigas, it is best to keep it simple and traditional. Ladle a hearty serving of the meatball soup into bowls, making sure each portion has plenty of broth, meatballs, and vegetables. You can also sprinkle some fresh chopped onions on top for an extra pop of flavor.

This soup pairs exceptionally well with warm, crusty bread or tortillas on the side. The bread can be used to soak up any remaining broth or to make a tasty sandwich stuffed with leftover meatballs and veggies.

If you want to add even more depth to the dish, consider serving it with a refreshing side salad. A simple green salad with crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, and cucumbers dressed in a tangy vinaigrette will provide a nice balance to the richness of the soup.

For beverages, you can never go wrong with a cold beer or a glass of red wine alongside your bowl of hot soup. Wine recommendations include Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or Malbec which pair well with the smoky flavors of the fire-roasted tomatoes and chipotle chiles in adobo.

Overall, Sopa de Albondigas is a filling and satisfying soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an intimate dinner for two or as part of a larger feast, this classic Mexican meatball soup won’t disappoint.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

One of the great things about this meatball soup (sopa de albondigas) recipe is that you can make it ahead of time! Simply prepare the soup as instructed, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup has thickened during storage, you can add a bit of additional chicken stock or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Leftovers can also be frozen for longer-term storage. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.

A caveat of making ahead is that any rice used in this recipe may become mushy with storage and reheating. To avoid this, cook the rice separately and add it to each individual serving of soup rather than adding it directly to the pot.

Overall, having a batch of sopa de albondigas ready in the fridge or freezer can be a real lifesaver on busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by for dinner. And with its rich flavors and comforting warmth, you’ll find yourself reaching for this mealtime favorite again and again!

Tips for Perfect Results

A classic Latin American dish with a unique twist.

As a seasoned chef, I know that small details can make all the difference in a recipe. Here are some tips to ensure your Meatball Soup turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use fire-roasted tomatoes and chipotle chiles in adobo for maximum flavor. These ingredients add depth and smokiness that regular tomatoes and chili powder can’t match.

2. Don’t skip the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cumin seeds. Together, they create a warm and aromatic base that sets this soup apart from others.

3. When making the meatballs, be sure to mix the ground beef and pork thoroughly with onions, garlic, celery, carrot, salt and pepper to create a cohesive mixture. This will help prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking.

4. For best results, use long-grain white rice to keep its fluffy texture in the soup. Adding it at the end of cooking and letting it simmer for 18-20 minutes will ensure that it’s fully cooked.

5. To make your meal even more nutritious, add chopped green cabbage to your soup. Not only does it add color and texture to the dish but also boosts its nutritional value.

By following these guidelines, you’ll succeed in making an authentic Meatball Soup (Sopa De Albondigas) that will impress your guests and bring warmth to any night of the week all while providing comfort traditional mexican flavors.

FAQ

Now, let’s take some time to address any questions or concerns that might pop up while making this meatball soup recipe. I understand that trying out a new dish can be daunting, but don’t worry – I’m here to help you through it! I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and provided clear answers, so you can approach the recipe with confidence. Read on for some tips and advice that will make your experience even more enjoyable.

Are albondigas the same as meatballs?

The term ‘Albondigas’ refers to Spanish-style meatballs, which are prepared using ground beef or pork, onions, breadcrumbs, and various seasonings. These meatballs are typically flavored using cumin and smoked paprika, and are usually enjoyed alongside a tangy tomato sauce known as sofrito.

How do you keep albondigas from falling apart?

When making meatballs for your dish, it’s important to resist the urge to stir them right after adding them to the pot. Stirring too early can cause them to fall apart and lose their shape. It’s better to let them simmer for about five minutes before gently stirring. However, if they do fall apart, don’t worry! They’ll still taste great, even if they’re no longer ball-shaped.

What is albondigas soup made of?

Albondigas Soup is a savory dish made with a flavorful soup base that includes sautéed onions, garlic, broth, and tomatoes. The delicious soup is then topped with meatballs that are made from ground beef or ground turkey and rice, which add an additional layer of broth to the dish.

Why do my albondigas come out hard?

It can be a challenge to craft tender and succulent albondigas or meatballs, mainly due to two common mistakes. The first is excessive mixing of the meatball mixture, which toughens the albondigas. The second mistake is packing the meat too tightly when forming the albondigas, resulting in denser and harder meatballs.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this meatball soup recipe is a true gem that combines the rich flavors of both Brazilian and Mexican cuisine. It is a perfect dish for any occasion, whether you want to impress your guests or simply enjoy a cozy meal at home. The combination of savory meatballs, vegetables, and warm spices create a delicious and satisfying soup that will make you feel like you’re sitting at a table in Mexico City or Rio de Janeiro.

With the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can easily make this mouth-watering soup at home. And with the wide range of substitutions and variations listed, you can also adapt this recipe to fit your own preferences and dietary needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your apron on and start cooking up a storm with this delicious meatball soup (sopa de albondigas) recipe! Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked.

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About Dora @ Kitchen on Cary

Dora

Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.

Delicious Meatball Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul