Monica's Dish of the Week: Albondigas

My family’s recipe for Albondigas, is a contemporary take on the traditional Mexican favorite.  This soup makes a great meal on a cool evening especially when served with fresh tortillas – flour or corn, it’s your choice.  I prefer to eat my soup garnished with cilantro and fresh slices of serrano chiles because they add a bright flavor to the soup. I also love filling up a tortilla with fresh slices of avocado and a pinch of salt; and eating that along with the soup. It definitely is Mm, Mm, Good! 

Ingredient List

1 ½ lbs ground sirloin

1/3 cup rice

½ tsp cumin

1 tsp kosher salt (or salt to taste)

½ bunch of kale

1 chayote, cut in cubes

5 – 7 carrots, cut each carrot in thirds

2 tbs tomato sauce

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Cilantro (optional)

3 thinly sliced serrano chiles (optional)

Method
Fill half of a 6-qt stock pot with water – put on stove, heat over medium-high heat.

                                                        

Mix ground sirloin, rice, cumin, kosher salt by hand.  Combine well.  Once combined, form into small meatballs.

Once meatballs are made, add to boiling water. 

After about 10 minutes, if using kale, add to soup. Continue boiling for 5 minutes, then add the chayote, carrots and tomato sauce.  While it’s boiling, taste and add salt to your preference.

Continue cooking for 20 – 25  minutes, or until veggies are soft.  Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.

Let cool for a few minutes.  Garnish with cilantro & thinly sliced serranos (if you like) and serve with tortillas or tostadas and sliced avocado.  Enjoy!

Variations

You can add different veggies to your soup like: onion, zucchini, and potatoes. I prefer to keep it simple, but it tastes great either way.

 Playlist

My choices are a few favorite songs en español: 

1)  “Esa Noche” Café Tacuba

2) “Sabor a Mi” Luis Miguel

3)  "Me Voy”  Julieta Venegas

4)  “Amante Bandido” Miguel Bose

5)  “Mi Tierra”  Gloria Estefan

Drink of Choice

 Strawberry Peñafiel (which is like a flavored seltzer) – yum!

A Recipe to Remember?

This is my form of comfort food – it is a go to recipe for me when I want something warm and satisfying.