Authentic Mexican Albondigas, or Mexican Meatball Soup, is a flavorful and comforting dish made with seasoned meatballs, vegetables, and a delicious broth. Here’s a traditional recipe:
Ingredients
FOR THE ALBONDIGAS (MEATBALLS)
1 lbs ground turkey (alternatively you can take ground beef)
1 egg
1 small shallot (alternatively ΒΌ onion)
2 garlic gloves
salt & pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 saltine crackers
FOR THE SOUP
2 carrots
2 celery stalks
1 chayote
1 big potato (I used Yukon gold)
salt & pepper to taste
3 corn ears
1 zucchini
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoon chicken bouillon
8 cups water
7 oz tomato sauce (1 can Hunts tomato sauce)
FOR GARNISHING THE FINISHED SOUP:
2 lemons β quartered
1 cup cilantro β chopped
Tapatio Sauce (Hot Sauce)
Instructions:
Step 1:
Add saltine crackers to a small ziplock bag, and smash them until they resemble a course meal.
Step 2:
Prepare the Meatballs:
Add ground meat to a medium sized bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
Crack in the egg.
Finely dice / mince the shallot and the garlic gloves.
Add them to the meat.
Using your hands, mix everything good together, then add your smashed saltine crackers and mix until combined. Set aside.
Step 3:
Peel and wash vegetables.
Cut the carrots, cellery, chayote, and zuccini into 1 inch, and the potato into about 1 Β½ inch pieces. ( bite sized pieces).
Cut the broccoli into florets, and cut and half the corn.
Step 4:
Using a 6 quart pot on medium heat, add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Form your meatballs into 1 to 1 ΒΌ inch balls, then add them slowly to the heated pot.
Let the meatballs brown for a few minutes.
Then carefully turn them over to brown on all sides.
Take them out of the pan, and put them in a bowl to set aside. (They donβt need to be fully cooked as we will add them later back to the soup).
Step 5:
To the pot we will now add the carrots, and the cellery. Slowly add about 2 cups of the water, and stir with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pot. (I use hot water).
Step 6:
Now add the potatoes, chayote, and the corn pieces to the pot.
Season with chicken boullion, then slowly add the rest of the hot water.
You can add now the tomato sauce to the pot.
Give it a quick stir, then close the pot with the lid.
Let soup simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step 7:
About 15 minutes in, remove the lid and add the zuccini, broccoli, and the meatballs.
Continue to cook another 5 minutes.
We donβt want the broccoli and the zuccini to be mushi.
The soup is done now.
Laddle soup into bowls.
In Mexico you garnish the soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and add fresh copped cilantro.
A couple drops of Tapatio, if you like.
Serve the soup with corn tortillas, or quesadillas.
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 300 calories | Protein: 20 grams | Carbohydrates: 25 grams | Dietary Fiber: 5 grams | Sugars: 5 grams | Fat: 12 grams | Saturated Fat: 3 grams | Cholesterol: 60 milligrams | Sodium: 800 milligrams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey for the meatballs?
Yes, you can use ground beef as an alternative to ground turkey in this recipe.
Itβs a matter of personal preference.
Is it necessary to use saltine crackers in the meatball mixture?
Saltine crackers are used as a binding agent and provide some seasoning to the meatballs.
If you prefer, you can use breadcrumbs or another similar binder instead.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of this soup by using plant-based ground meat alternatives, vegetable broth, and omitting the egg.
You can also skip the meatballs altogether and add extra vegetables or tofu for protein.
What is chayote, and can I substitute it with something else?
Chayote is a green, wrinkled, pear-shaped vegetable often used in Mexican cuisine.
If you canβt find chayote, you can substitute it with zucchini or another mild-flavored squash.
What are some variations for garnishing this soup?
While the traditional garnishes include fresh lemon juice, chopped cilantro, and hot sauce like Tapatio, you can also consider adding diced avocado, sliced radishes, or diced onions for extra flavor and texture.
What is the significance of using saltine crackers in the meatballs?
Saltine crackers are used in the meatballs as a binder and to add a hint of salt and texture.
They help hold the meatballs together and contribute to their consistency.
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey if you prefer.
The choice of meat is flexible and based on your personal taste.
What is chayote, and can I substitute it with something else?
Chayote is a green, pear-shaped vegetable with a mild flavor.
If you canβt find chayote, you can substitute it with zucchini or another mild-flavored squash.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian or vegan version by using plant-based ground meat alternatives, vegetable broth, and omitting the egg.
You can also skip the meatballs and add extra vegetables or tofu for protein.
Are there alternative garnishes I can use besides lemon, cilantro, and Tapatio sauce?
While the traditional garnishes include fresh lemon juice, chopped cilantro, and hot sauce like Tapatio, you can also consider adding diced avocado, sliced radishes, or diced onions for additional flavors and textures to suit your taste.
