New Mexico Comfort Albondigas Soup
This comforting New Mexico-style albondigas soup is a cherished family recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. Originating from the flavorful back regions of New Mexico and Mexico, this soup features hearty meatballs made from fresh ground beef, rice, and a sprinkle of traditional spices. The simplicity of the ingredients—combined with the rich, savory beef broth—creates a dish that is both filling and delightful. This recipe honors the love and teachings of my dear mother-in-law and her mother, ensuring that their legacy of warmth and tradition continues on. Enjoy this soul-soothing soup with a side of crispy corn chips for that perfect crunch!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
hamburger
2 lbs (raw, ground)
onion
1 (chopped)
rice
1 cup (uncooked)
carrots
2 (chopped)
cilantro
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
cumin
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
beef broth
1 quart (canned or homemade)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the beef broth over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, uncooked rice, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
3
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
4
Once the broth is boiling, carefully drop the meatballs into the pot.
5
Add the chopped carrots to the soup.
6
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld together.
7
Serve hot in bowls, accompanied by warm corn chips on the side. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors with each spoonful!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New Mexico Comfort Albondigas Soup?
It is a hearty meatball soup originating from the regions of New Mexico and Mexico, featuring ground beef, rice, and traditional spices in a savory beef broth.
How much ground beef is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of raw ground hamburger.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the meatballs?
No, the recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked rice to be mixed directly into the meatball mixture.
What kind of broth is used for the soup base?
The recipe uses 1 quart of beef broth, which can be either canned or homemade.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer on low heat for 1 hour to ensure the meatballs are cooked and flavors are melded.
What size should the meatballs be?
The meat mixture should be shaped into 1-inch meatballs.
What vegetables are included in the soup?
The soup includes one chopped onion (mixed into the meat) and two chopped carrots added to the broth.
What spices are used to season the meatballs?
The meatballs are seasoned with dried cilantro, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
How much cumin is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Is fresh or dried cilantro used in this recipe?
This specific recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of dried cilantro.
What is the recommended way to serve Albondigas soup?
It is best served hot in bowls with a side of warm corn chips for added crunch.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, the instructions specify to cover the pot after reducing the heat to low.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper, both adjustable to taste.
At what point are the meatballs added to the broth?
The meatballs should be carefully dropped into the pot once the beef broth has reached a boil.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is a cherished family recipe originating from New Mexico and Mexico.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients listed for this soup.
Can I use homemade beef broth?
Yes, the recipe allows for either canned or homemade beef broth.
Does the onion go into the broth or the meatballs?
The chopped onion is mixed into the ground beef and rice mixture to form the meatballs.
What heat setting is used for the initial broth heating?
The beef broth should be heated over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
Is this a spicy soup?
The recipe uses cumin and pepper for flavor, but it is described as comforting and soul-soothing rather than spicy.
What makes this soup a 'comfort food'?
The combination of hearty meatballs, rice, and savory broth creates a filling, warm, and nostalgic dish.
Should I stir the soup while it simmers?
Yes, the instructions recommend stirring the soup occasionally during the hour of simmering.
When do I add the carrots?
The chopped carrots are added to the soup pot immediately after dropping in the meatballs.
Who inspired this specific version of the recipe?
This recipe honors the creator's mother-in-law and her mother.
How many carrots are used?
The recipe calls for 2 chopped carrots.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 1 chopped onion.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include albondigas soup, comfort food, Mexican cuisine, beef, soup, and hearty.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat the beef broth in a large pot over medium heat until it simmers.
What is the final step before eating?
The final step is to serve the soup hot in bowls with warm corn chips on the side.
Is the rice cooked inside the meatball?
Yes, the uncooked rice cooks while the meatballs simmer in the broth for an hour.