Albondigas (Mexican Meatball Soup)

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 0.5 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp oregano
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• For the Soup:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 6 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp oregano
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• For Serving:
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges
• Warm corn tortillas

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Make the Meatballs
2. 2In a bowl, combine ground meat, rice, egg, garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cilantro. Mix until just combined. 🌿🥩
3. 3Form into 1-inch meatballs and set aside. 🍲👐
4. 42️⃣ Prepare the Soup
5. 5In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot until fragrant, about 3 minutes. 🧄🧅
6. 6Pour in broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer. 🍅🔥
7. 73️⃣ Cook the Meatballs
8. 8Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 20 minutes on medium-low heat. 🍲⏳
9. 94️⃣ Add the Vegetables
10. 10Stir in the zucchini and simmer for another 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. 🥒🔥
11. 11Remove the bay leaf and add a splash of lime juice for brightness. 🍋
12. 125️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
13. 13Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with avocado slices, lime wedges, and warm tortillas on the side. 🌿🥑🌽