Albondigas Soup (Mexican Meatball Soup)

The BEST Albondigas soup recipe for you to cozy up with during the cold months. It is a hearty and flavorful Mexican meatball soup with vegetables like corn, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and chayote. The broth is super rich in flavor from tomatoes and guajillo/california chili peppers.

albondigas soup in a mexican bowl.

What is Albondigas Soup?

Albondigas soup (also known as Mexican meatball soup) is an authentic soup from Mexico. This dish dates back to the 13th century and originated from a similar Arabic dish. Albondigas soup was imported to Spain during those days when the Iberian Peninsula was under the Muslim rule. Lots of dishes where introduced to Spain during this time and this was one of them.

This is one of the BEST albondigas soup recipes because it is so authentic and is a recipe that has been passed down through generations.

What makes Albondigas Soup Special?

These meatballs are unique because they are made with fresh mint and dry rice. The rice and mint really make these delicious and on-of-a-kind! The broth also make this dish special because of the flavorful chili and tomato blend.

It’s super easy and fun to make, it is made with mostly wholesome ingredients too, check them out:

vegan albondigas soup ingredients

Tips & Substitutes for the BEST Albondigas Soup Recipe

If you’re wondering what type of meat to use in albondigas soup, or have other questions, keep reading! I’ll share all that information below. 

Vegan Meat

How do you make vegan meatballs? I suggest using one of these options. 

  • If you are looking for a substitute that tastes just like the real deal, I highly recommend using Impossible ground beef. You can find Impossible ground beef at Trader Joe’s for only $5.99! You can also find it at other grocery stores such as Safeway and Whole Foods.
  • The second best option would be Beyond Beef.

Vegetables:

I made this recipe with veggies that my mom would add to this soup to make it as authentic as I could. You can also add other veggies if you’d like. Try it with these veggies: 

  • Broccoli Florets
  • Turnips instead of potatoes 
  • Green Bell Peppers 
  • Poblano Peppers 

Herbs:

  • I highly recommend adding both cilantro and mint to make it delicious and authentic. However, if you are not a fan of mint/cilantro you can also substitute with oregano.
  • Make sure to blend all herbs/garlic/onion in a food processor or with a molcajete (mortar and pestle). If you blend them in the blender the mixture will be too runny and make your meatballs fall apart when cooking.

Flour:

  • To help with binding I recommend adding 1 tbsp of all-purpose flour to avoid them breaking apart. 
the best albondigas soup recipe

Storing The Meatball Soup

How do you store homemade meatballs soup? Put it in a spill proof and airtight container. Keep it refrigerator for up to three days. 

My favorite container for storing soup is a mason jar. The lid seals really well and you can transport it in a lunchbox without it spilling. 

More Delicious Vegan Mexican Recipes:

Vegan Pozole Verde

Flautas (Taquitos)

Vegan Chile Relleno

7 Vegan Taco Recipes

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albondigas soup in a mexican bowl.

Albondigas Soup (Mexican Meatball Soup)


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  • Author: Anna Rios
  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Albondigas soup is the best meal to cozy up with during the cold months. It is a hearty and flavorful Mexican meatball soup with vegetables like corn, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and chayote. The broth is super rich in flavor from tomatoes and guajillo chili peppers.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 packet vegan ground meat (I used Impossible)
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, see above)
  • 1 chayote squash
  • 1 Mexican zucchini
  • 23 potatoes
  • 1/2 medium onion
  • 1 ear of corn
  • 2 carrots
  • 3 tomatoes
  • 2 dry chiles guajillo, soaked or (2 tbsp guajillo powder)
  • 1/3 cup rice, dry
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • Mint, small handful
  • Cilantro, small handful
  • Salt to taste

 


Instructions

  1. Make vegetable broth by adding 8 cups of water to the pot. Mix in 1 tbsp of Vegetable Better Than Bouillon paste. Turn on medium-high heat and wait for it to boil.
  2. Meanwhile dice your vegetables (besides tomatoes, onion, garlic, and guajillo chilies) into thick-sized pieces and set them aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, place the vegan ground beef. Add onion, garlic, mint, and cilantro to a food processor and process. You can also use a molcajete instead of a processor for this part if you have one but DO NOT use a blender as the mixture can get too runny and your meatballs will fall apart.
  4. Add the onion/garlic/herb mixture to the vegan meat along with salt, flour, and dry rice. Use your hands to mix it in as if you were kneading dough. Grab about 1/4 cup of the seasoned meat and use both your hands to create meatballs.
  5. Add the meatballs to the pot with vegetable broth along with the diced veggies.
  6. Finally, blend the tomatoes, chile guajillo (or guajillo chili powder) in a blender and add to the broth.
  7. Cook on simmer for 12-15 minutes or until meatballs and veggies are cooked.
  8. Serve and top with fresh cilantro on top, and a side of tortillas or tortilla chips.
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Category: Soups
  • Method: Stove
  • Cuisine: Mexican

5 thoughts on “Albondigas Soup (Mexican Meatball Soup)

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