Spicy Albondigas: A Delicious Mexican Meatball Soup

Spicy Albondigas is a traditional Mexican meatball soup that combines tender beef and rice meatballs with a savory and spicy tomato broth. This soup is packed with flavors from aromatic spices, vegetables, and herbs, making it a satisfying and comforting dish. It is a perfect meal for chilly evenings or when you crave a hearty bowl of soup bursting with Mexican flavors. Serve it with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup cooked white rice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 potato, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, cilantro, egg, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and jalapeno pepper. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Gently add the meatballs to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
6. Add the diced carrot, potato, and zucchini to the pot. Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the Spicy Albondigas soup hot in bowls. Sprinkle some additional fresh cilantro on top for garnish, if desired. Enjoy with warm tortillas or crusty bread.

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