Tasty Albóndiga Soup

Albondigas are meatballs, often used in a soup, known to many as “Mexican soul food.” Though we consider albondigas soup (or sopa de albondigas) Mexican food, history follows a line that dates back to the sixth Century, where the Islamic influence dominated the region of Southwestern Europe. Then in the 13th Century, the Spanish King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella conquered the region which had been occupied by the Muslims. Many of the culinary traditions were integrated into the Spanish community. From there, albondigas made its way to Mexico by way of the conquistadors, where it has remained and flourished into a cultural favorite.


Albóndiga Soup



Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 pound ground chuck
½ cup jasmine rice or long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 chipotle, minced
1 egg
For the Soup:
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 small poblano pepper, diced
1 medium zucchini, diced (about 3 cups)
1 small white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 serrano pepper, minced
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped and more for garnish
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, crushed
1 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed
1 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth


Directions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients for the meatballs, stir well to combine, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. In a dutch oven pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil to medium heat. Add the onions, poblano, and serrano pepper, season lightly with salt and pepper, cook for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and chicken broth. Bring up to a boil.

3. While the soup comes to a boil, crush the oregano, cumin seeds and coriander seeds with a mortar and pestle, add to soup, stir well. Remove the meatball mix from refrigerator and make 30 small meatball while the soup comes to a boil. When soup is boiling, reduce heat just slightly and carefully drop in the meatballs. Gently stir, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 to 35 minutes.

4. Add the zucchini the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking time. Taste for salt. Garnish soup with lime wedges, green onions and more fresh cilantro. Serve with warm corn tortillas.

Note:  The jasmine rice and smoked paprika is what really adds to the unique flavor of this dish.  I buy my smoked paprika from the Valley Hungarian Sausage & Meat Co. from Little Rock, Ca. Here is there facebook page for they do ship if you are not near them: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Valley-Hungarian-Sausage-Meat-Co/183650872381)