Satisfy Your Cravings with Our Hearty Meatball Soup Recipe!
Greetings! As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I am excited to share with you my recipe for Sopa De Albondigas, also known as Meatball Soup. This traditional Mexican soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that will surely satisfy your cravings.
Sopa De Albondigas is the perfect comfort food for any occasion, whether it’s a cold winter night or a family gathering. The combination of tender meatballs, savory broth, and fresh vegetables makes this soup not only delicious but also nutritious.
Beyond its taste and nutrition benefits, this recipe is also easy to make with simple ingredients found at your local grocery store. Whether you are an experienced home cook or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and perfect for any skill level.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of Sopa De Albondigas and discover why it’s one of my favorite dishes to cook and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a savory and satisfying soup that will warm your soul and please your taste buds? Look no further than this delicious Sopa de Albondigas, or Meatball Soup, recipe! With a rich, comforting broth, hearty meatballs, and a medley of vegetables and flavorful seasonings, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. Not only is it perfect for those chilly winter days when you need something warm to curl up with, but it’s also a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have on hand. Plus, the meatballs can be made with beef, pork, chicken, or even turkey, depending on your preferences. Whatever variation you choose, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
But flavor isn’t the only thing that sets this Sopa de Albondigas apart. It’s also incredibly easy to make! The ingredients are simple and easy to find at any grocery store or market, and the recipe itself is straightforward and easy to follow. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, you can whip up a batch of this delicious soup with ease.
So what are you waiting for? Give this Sopa de Albondigas recipe a try and discover for yourself why it’s sure to become one of your favorites. With its satisfying flavor, versatility, and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen all year round.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Sopa De Albondigas (Mexican Meatball Soup):
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup long grain white rice
- 1/3 cup of masa harina (corn dough)
- 1/4 cup of ketchup
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 tablespoon of season salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 3 medium sized potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
- 3 medium sized carrots, peeled and sliced
For the broth:
– 8 cups chicken stock or broth (two quarts)
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Note: You can replace the ground beef with a combination of beef and pork for a richer flavor.
The Recipe How-To
Here’s the main event: making the sopa de albóndigas. Let’s start by making the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, one egg, 1/4 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt. Mix well and then shape them into 24 mini meatballs. Pro-tip: for juicy albóndigas, don’t overmix your ingredients.
Next, in a pot on medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sauté 1 diced white onion until it becomes translucent. After that, add 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 2 peeled and diced potatoes to the pot. Cook for about five minutes until they are tender.
Add 1 tablespoon of tomato ketchup, two beef bouillon cubes, and one can of diced tomatoes to the vegetarian pot. Next, add six cups of water and give everything a good stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about ten minutes.
Now it’s time to add those precious little meatballs into the Sopa de Albóndigas. You can stir gently to make sure they are well mixed with the liquid but be careful not to break them apart. Simmer for another fifteen minutes until the rice inside the meatball is cooked.
Finally, taste-test your soup and season it with more salt or pepper if necessary. Add in some fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Enjoy this hearty soup hot as it will soothe you down to your soul!
Voila! You’ve now successfully created an authentic version of sopa de albóndigas that will warm your belly and impress your taste buds.
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I highly encourage creativity in the kitchen! Here are some substitutions and variations you can make to this Sopa de Albondigas recipe to personalize it to your taste buds.
1. Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian-friendly, simply substitute the ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled tofu. For added protein, consider adding mixed beans or chickpeas.
2. Gluten-Free Option: For those on a gluten-free diet, replace the long grain white rice with quinoa or gluten-free pasta. Additionally, ensure that the beef bouillon cubes are labeled gluten-free.
3. Spicier Version: If you enjoy a little kick to your meals, add some diced jalapeño peppers to the soup. You could also add a tablespoon of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
4. Different Meatball Meat: Instead of just beef, try mixing pork or ground turkey with the beef in your meatballs. Also, consider adding spices such as cumin or paprika for complex flavor.
5. More Veggies: To pack in more nutrients, add more vegetables such as spinach or kale to the soup towards the end of cooking. You could also swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes and use different colored carrots for visual appeal.
Remember that the key to making substitutions and variations is balance – consider how certain flavors and ingredients will complement each other while still staying true to some elements of the traditional recipe. Happy cooking!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your sopa de albondigas is hot and ready to serve, it’s time to think about presentation and pairing options for the perfect meal experience. This delicious meatball soup is a hearty and filling meal that can be served on its own or accompanied by other dishes.
For a classic serving of this traditional Mexican dish, ladle the soup into individual bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges to give it a fresh zing. You may also add some shredded cheese or avocado slices on top to complement the savory flavors of the soup.
If you are looking to pair it with another dish, sopa de albondigas goes great with traditional Mexican sides such as corn tortillas, rice, or refried beans. Serving some tortilla chips or salsa as an appetizer can add a nice touch before digging into the main event.
If you would like to achieve the ultimate fusion experience, you could pair this Mexican meatball soup with an American side such as garlic bread. The flavors blend together seamlessly and create a delicious balance between the rich tomato broth and the garlic buttery bread.
Lastly, for beverages, serving this soup with cold beer or margaritas can make your dining experience complete. The fizzy beer pairs perfectly with the warm soup while margaritas add tanginess that complements the flavors already present in your meal.
No matter what pairing option is chosen, sopa de albondigas will undoubtedly be a hit at any table!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about Sopa De Albondigas is that it can be easily made ahead of time, stored and reheated for a quick meal on a busy day. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or when you are anticipating a busy week.
For make-ahead instructions, cook the soup completely as per recipe instructions and allow it to cool. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on medium heat until it’s heated through.
It’s important to note that while storing the soup can be convenient, certain ingredients can get mushy when cooked for a second time. To prevent this from happening, store the broth and meatballs separately and only mix them when you are ready to serve.
When reheating, remember not to bring the soup to a boil as it may cause overcooking which will affect the texture and flavor of the dish. Simply warm on low heat until just hot enough.
If you are looking for an easy and tasty solution for those busy weekday dinners or if you simply want to save time when meal prepping then Sopa De Albondigas is an absolute lifesaver. With just a bit of planning you can have this delicious soup at your fingertips whenever hunger strikes.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I have some tips to make your Sopa de Albondigas taste just like it does in traditional Mexican restaurants. Here are some tips for perfect results:
Firstly, season your meatballs well with salt, pepper, and season salt to make them flavorful. Make sure the seasoning is spread evenly throughout each meatball. Also, the ground beef you use should not be too lean as it can result in dry and crumbly meatballs.
Next, add a tablespoon of ketchup to the meatball mixture to balance the flavors between savory and sweet. Trust me; this will take your Sopa de Albondigas recipe to another level of taste.
It’s crucial to use fresh vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and celery while making soup. Fresh vegetables will give an excellent flavor profile and brighten up the dish.
To amp up the stock’s flavors, add two beef bouillon cubes while making broth or stock. The beef bouillon cubes will provide a rich and hearty base for your Sopa de Albondigas soup.
In preparing this dish, always sauté garlic in olive oil until it becomes fragrant before adding it to the pot. The garlic’s caramelization process ignites its enzymes and elevates its umami flavor.
Lastly, substitute the ground beef with ground pork if you want softer and juicier meatballs. You can also add a ½ teaspoon of cumin powder to the soup for an earthy flavornote.
By following these tips, your Sopa de Albondigas soup will be rich, hearty, and flavorful – a perfect meal on those chilly days!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a hearty and comforting soup recipe that is sure to impress your loved ones, then look no further than this Sopa De Albondigas/Meatball Soup recipe! This Mexican-inspired soup is bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter night or simply craving a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine, this dish is the perfect choice.
By following the simple instructions outlined in this article, you can easily prepare a delicious pot of meatball soup that will leave everyone asking for seconds. And with plenty of opportunities to customize the recipe based on your tastes and preferences, you can make it your own and truly make it stand out.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try out this amazing Sopa De Albondigas/Meatball Soup recipe today! With its rich and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Sopa De Albondigas/Meatball Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 carrots (peel and slice)
- 4 stalks celery (clean and slice)
- 8 potatoes (peel and cut into small pieces)
- 1 white onion (dice into small pieces)
- 4 tomatoes (diced)
- 1 garlic clove (one small piece of garlic diced)
- 3 beef bouillon cubes
For meatballs
- 1 1/2 lbs hamburger
- 1/2 white onion
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 (8 ounce) package saltines (put saltines in zipper bag and take rolling pin and roll then until crushed and smooth, not sure abo)
- 2 eggs
- 5 -6 serrano peppers (optional if you like a little spice, dice into small pieces)
- 1 tablespoon season salt
- 1/2 tablespoon pepper
- 5 -6 bolillo rolls
Instructions
- 1.In stock pot fill with water about half full (can add more later if needed). Place on stove on med-high add carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, tomatoes, beef bouillon cubes, and garlic. Let cook while it its cooking in a bowl place hamburger, onion, ketchup, crushed saltines, eggs, Serrano peppers(diced), couple dashes season salt and pepper. Mix all ingredients with hands until everything is mixed together. Then form meatballs 1 1/2 to 2inches around. Once the soup has been cooking about 1 hr drop meatballs into soup let soup cook for about another 20-30minutes. Dish into bowls and serve with rolls & limes.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
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.