Mama's Old-Fashioned Albondigas Meatball Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
• 1/2 cup potatoes, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup frozen green peas
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly blended.
2. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the celery, carrots, potatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Add the green peas and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
6. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
7. Serve hot.

Interesting Facts

• Albondigas is a traditional Mexican soup usually made with ground beef, vegetables, and herbs.
• The word "albondigas" is Spanish for "meatballs."
• This soup is a great way to use up leftover cooked vegetables.