Guatemalan Sopa de Albóndigas Recipe

The Guatemalan Sopa de Albóndigas Recipe is a traditional dish that originates from Guatemala. It is a flavorful soup that features meatballs as the main ingredient.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 45

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Guatemalan

Keyword: Guatemalan Sopa de Albóndigas Recipe

Servings: Servings

Calories: 275 kcal

Equipment

Large mixing bowl: Used to combine the ground beef, rice, onion, cilantro, garlic, and spices for the meatballs.
Plate or baking sheet: Used to place the shaped meatballs before cooking.
Large pot: Used to cook the soup and simmer the ingredients.
Stirring spoon: Used to stir the soup and ensure even cooking.
Knife: Used for chopping onions, cilantro, and tomatoes.
Cutting board: Used for chopping vegetables and herbs.
Ladle: Used to serve the soup into bowls.
Soup bowls: Used to serve the Guatemalan Sopa de Albóndigas.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup rice uncooked
1/4 cup onion finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon cumin ground
1/2 teaspoon oregano dried
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 cups beef or vegetable broth
2 carrots medium - peeled and sliced
2 potatoes medium - peeled and diced
1 cup peas frozen
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon lime juice optional
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish optional

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, and ingedients

a. Thoroughly mix the ground beef and rice together to ensure a consistent texture in the meatballs.
b. Finely chop the onion and cilantro to enhance their flavors in the meatballs.
c. The garlic adds a fragrant aroma and taste to the meatball mixture.
d. Ground cumin and dried oregano provide a warm and earthy spice profile to the meatballs.
e. Salt and black pepper help to season the meatball mixture for optimal taste.

Shape the meatball mixture into small, bite-sized balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Set them aside on a plate or baking sheet.

a. Roll the meatball mixture between your palms to form uniform-sized balls.
b. Ensure that each meatball is compact and holds its shape.
c. Place the shaped meatballs on a plate or baking sheet to keep them organized.
d. Make the meatballs small to ensure they cook evenly and fit well in the soup.
e. Creating bite-sized meatballs allows for easy consumption and even distribution in the soup.

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften.

a. Heat the vegetable oil until it becomes hot and shimmering.
b. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot to enhance the soup's flavor and texture.
c. Cook the tomatoes until they become tender and release their juices.
d. Stir the tomatoes occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
e. Softened tomatoes will add a delicious tanginess to the soup.

Pour in 8 cups of beef or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

a. Choose either beef or vegetable broth based on your preference or dietary restrictions.
b. Pour the broth into the pot to create the soup's base and provide depth of flavor.
c. Bring the broth to a rolling boil to ensure all ingredients cook thoroughly.
d. Lower the heat to prevent the broth from boiling over and simmer for 10 minutes.
e. Simmering allows the flavors to infuse the broth, resulting in a richer taste.

Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, frozen peas, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the pot. Stir well and continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

a. Slice the carrots into thin rounds for quick cooking and easy eating.
b. Dice the potatoes into small cubes to ensure they cook evenly and soften.
c. Add the frozen peas to the pot to provide vibrant color and a burst of freshness.
d. Incorporate the tomato paste to enhance the soup's flavor and deepen its color.
e. Stir the mixture regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the vegetables.

Gently drop the prepared meatballs into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

a. Carefully place the meatballs into the soup to avoid splashing or breaking them.
b. Ensure the meatballs are fully submerged in the soup for even cooking.
c. Cover the pot to trap heat and moisture, allowing the meatballs to cook thoroughly.
d. Cook the meatballs until they are no longer pink in the center and reach a safe internal temperature.
e. Test one meatball for doneness by cutting it open to ensure it is cooked through.

Optional: Stir in 1 tablespoon of lime juice to add a refreshing citrus note to the soup. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.

a. Squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup for a tangy and bright flavor.
b. Lime juice adds a zesty element that complements the other flavors in the soup.
c. Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if needed to enhance the overall seasoning.
d. Adjust the seasoning gradually, tasting after each addition to avoid overseasoning.
e. Salt and pepper allow you to customize the soup's taste to your preference.

Serve the Guatemalan Sopa de Albóndigas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.

a. Ladle the hot soup into bowls for serving.
b. Ensure each bowl contains a generous portion of meatballs and vegetables.
c. Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top of the soup for added aroma and visual appeal.
d. The cilantro garnish adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
e. Enjoy the Guatemalan Sopa de Albóndigas while it's still hot for the best flavor experience.

Notes

Use wet hands while shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.

Pre-measure and prepare all the ingredients before starting the
cooking process.

Use a sharp knife for efficient and precise vegetable chopping.

Make extra meatballs and freeze them for future use.

Customize the soup by adding additional vegetables or herbs for more flavor.

Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the soup before serving for a citrusy kick.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe yet?Click the stars above or below to rate and/or leave a comment below!