The warmth of Albondigas Soup brings the spirit of traditional Mexican home cooking right into your kitchen. Made with hand-rolled meatballs flavored with spearmint, simmered in a savory broth full of carrots, green beans, and peas, this dish is hearty and satisfying. The mint is the hidden gem that sets this soup apart, giving it a fresh aroma and taste that’s uniquely comforting.
This soup is perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings, easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein substitutions like ground turkey. Its one-pot nature makes cleanup easy, and it’s nourishing enough to stand as a full meal. Whether you’re new to Mexican cuisine or grew up with these flavors, Albondigas Soup is a flavorful reminder of home-cooked love.
Full Recipe:
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 large onion, chopped
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1 clove garlic, minced
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2 quarts chicken or beef stock
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1 quart water
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1/2 cup tomato sauce
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1/2 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
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2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
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1/3 cup white rice
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1 pound ground beef
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1/4 cup chopped fresh spearmint leaves (loosely packed)
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (loosely packed)
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1 1/2 teaspoons salt
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1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1 large egg
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1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen peas
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1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
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1 dash cayenne pepper (optional)
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1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large 5-quart pot over medium heat. Sauté onion for 5 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
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Add chicken stock, water, and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add green beans and carrots.
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In a large bowl, mix ground beef, uncooked rice, mint, parsley, salt, pepper, and the egg until well combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
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Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering soup. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
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Add peas, oregano, additional salt and pepper to taste, and cayenne if using. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
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Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 297 kcal | Servings: 6–8 servings
The Cultural Roots of Albondigas Soup
Albondigas Soup, also known as Mexican Meatball Soup, holds a cherished place in the culinary traditions of Mexican households. The word albondigas is derived from Arabic, originally brought to Spain during the Moorish occupation, and later carried to Latin America through Spanish colonization. Over time, Mexican cooks adapted the recipe with regional ingredients and spices, resulting in the beloved dish we know today.
This hearty soup typically features meatballs made with ground beef or turkey, rice, fresh herbs—most notably spearmint—and seasonal vegetables. Its warming, nourishing qualities make it a staple in Mexican kitchens, often passed down through generations. For many families, it represents more than a meal—it’s a comforting reminder of home, family, and tradition.
Why Spearmint is the Secret Star
One of the defining features of authentic Albondigas Soup is the use of fresh spearmint in the meatballs. This may come as a surprise to those unfamiliar with Mexican home cooking, as mint isn’t often a component of meat dishes in many global cuisines. However, spearmint lends a subtle aromatic quality that brightens the flavor of the rich broth and hearty meatballs.
Spearmint’s use in Albondigas Soup connects directly to its Moorish-Spanish roots. Historically, herbs such as mint and parsley were used extensively in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking to provide freshness and contrast to meat-based dishes. In Mexican cuisine, this tradition evolved into something uniquely comforting and regional.
The presence of spearmint doesn’t just offer complexity; it also serves a practical purpose. The mint helps balance the dense richness of ground beef or turkey and cuts through the starchiness of rice, creating a more well-rounded flavor in every bite.
A Soup That Evolves With the Season
One of the reasons Albondigas Soup has stood the test of time is its adaptability. While the base elements of meatballs, broth, and rice remain fairly consistent, the vegetables often vary based on what’s available. In spring, it may include fresh peas or green beans. In the summer and fall, cooks might add zucchini, corn, or even chayote.
This flexibility makes it an excellent year-round recipe. Not only does it support sustainable and seasonal eating, but it also provides an opportunity for cooks to tailor the dish to their tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to go heavy on root vegetables in the winter or lighten it up in the summer, Albondigas Soup can easily accommodate your preferences.
From Kitchen to Table: A Family Tradition
In many Mexican households, the preparation of Albondigas Soup is a collective event. Parents, children, and even grandparents may gather in the kitchen to chop vegetables, season the broth, and roll the meatballs. This interactive process transforms cooking from a chore into a meaningful family ritual.
In fact, many people who grew up with this dish have fond memories of helping a parent or grandparent roll meatballs by hand. The care and attention that go into crafting each bite is part of what makes the meal feel so special. The result is not just a delicious soup but an experience steeped in tradition and familial love.
Health Benefits of Albondigas Soup
While Albondigas Soup is undoubtedly comforting, it’s also surprisingly nutritious. With a base of lean protein, whole grains (from rice), and fiber-rich vegetables, this dish offers a balanced and nourishing profile. A standard serving delivers a good mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
The use of herbs like spearmint and parsley adds more than just flavor—they also bring antioxidants and digestive benefits. Moreover, because the soup is broth-based and not cream-heavy, it tends to be lower in calories and fat than many other comfort foods, making it a wholesome choice for families looking to maintain a balanced diet.
For those following specific dietary guidelines, the soup is also highly adaptable. You can swap out beef for ground turkey or plant-based proteins, use brown rice instead of white for added fiber, and opt for low-sodium broth to control salt intake. Gluten-free and dairy-free by nature, it’s a safe choice for many different dietary needs.
Regional Variations and Modern Twists
As with any traditional dish, Albondigas Soup has inspired countless regional and modern variations. In coastal regions of Mexico, it’s not uncommon to find versions made with fish or shrimp instead of beef. Other areas might incorporate local ingredients like nopales (cactus paddles) or chipotle for a smoky, spicy depth.
Modern cooks have also brought their own spin to the dish. Some experiment by adding quinoa instead of rice, while others enhance the broth with fire-roasted tomatoes or Pato sauce for extra richness. Some even stuff their meatballs with a surprise center of hard-boiled egg or raisins, a nod to certain Central American traditions.
Vegetarian and vegan versions are growing in popularity as well. In these versions, lentils or plant-based meat substitutes can be used for the meatballs, with equally satisfying results. The flexibility of Albondigas Soup makes it ideal for personalization, and creative chefs continue to reimagine it for contemporary palates.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Another reason Albondigas Soup is a staple in many households is its practicality. The recipe yields a large quantity, making it perfect for batch cooking and meal prep. It also stores exceptionally well—flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, and it freezes beautifully.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning ahead for the week, Albondigas Soup is a smart choice. Just reheat and serve with a warm tortilla or slice of crusty bread, and you’ve got a nourishing meal ready to go. For families on a budget or those looking to reduce food waste, this soup is a goldmine of value and versatility.
A Dish That Tells a Story
Beyond its flavor and nutrition, Albondigas Soup tells a story—of migration, adaptation, and cultural preservation. It’s a recipe that has crossed continents and centuries, shaped by the hands and hearts of countless cooks. Each bowl is steeped in history, and every variation reflects the diversity of the people who make it.
From its Arabic origins to its place in contemporary Mexican cuisine, Albondigas Soup represents the fusion of old-world techniques and new-world ingredients. It’s a living dish that continues to evolve while honoring its roots, embodying the spirit of shared meals and cultural connection.
Conclusion
Albondigas Soup is more than just a warm, comforting meal—it’s a celebration of heritage, family, and culinary creativity. Its rich broth, tender meatballs infused with mint, and seasonal vegetables make it a flavorful and wholesome choice for any day of the week. The dish adapts to the seasons, welcomes personal touches, and brings people together around the table.
Whether you’re learning to cook it for the first time or reviving a family tradition, Albondigas Soup offers a meaningful connection to Mexican culture and the universal comfort of home-cooked food. Serve it with love, and it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your own household, just as it has been for generations.