ok, so this recipe is an oldie but a goodie! I made it for the first time ever in 2011! Albondigas is simply Meatball in Spanish. I don't speak much Spanish but this is one word I know and love.(mostly because my stomach loves it)
There are many types of meatball soups out there and I am sure we will feature a recipe or two in the future. Today we focus on the fabulous and savory Albondigas... say it with me now. AL-BON-DEE-Gahs... ( I'm sure I am completely wrong but this is how I hear and say it)
I don't remember the original recipe I got from way back when, but this is my version! Enjoy!
First I start boiling the broth:
3 cups beef broth
3 cups Water
3 cloves of minced Garlic
1/2 Onion chopped
14.5 OZ diced tomatos
3 cans green chilis
2 tbsb Olive Oil
2 tbsp Lemon Juice
bushel of cilantro
Salt and Pepper to taste
For the Meatballs:
1.5 lbs ground beef
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup uncooked rice
1 egg beaten
1/4 cup chopped mint
1 tbsp dry oregano
1 tsp cumin
1/5 tsp chili powder
Mix all together in a bowl... it gets messy but its OH SO creepy and fun to use your (washed) hands. If you like, this is a good part to let the kids help) Then roll into balls, I like to give my meatballs a slight brown but you DO NOT have to...
Once broth is boiling add meatballs to the pot one at a time (or you will be sad and messy) cook until meatballs are fully done and serve!
This can feed my family of 5 for about two days!!! MMMMMM good!