Friday, April 3, 2009

Albondigas



Are meatballs. When I was growing up, I thought there was only one way to eat meatballs - with spagetti. I thought you could only make them with breadcrumbs or oatmeal. Then I saw my mother-in-law prepare them with rice...what? You can do that? She boiled them in water to make a soup. Meatballs soup? Yep. Here's how I usually make meatballs...


Ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato, cumin, basil, and maybe hierba buena (mint)or cilantro, an egg, and some sort of grain. I have used rice or barley. I think I will try next time with millet or quinoa, just to see what happens. Mix all in bowl (you don't have to cook the grain first). Put in water and boil for 20 or more minutes. Takes very little prep time. I usually put zuchini in too halfway through. So easy, quick, no artificial anything, and delish! You have grain, protein, and veggie right there. We love it! Have you ever eaten meatballs like this?

4 comments:

  1. This looks sensational. Excellent. I can't wait to try it. Seriously, I would never have thought to use rice. That looks so good.

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  2. This one was with barley. It has a different texture, but I really like it. And I don't use barley that often, so something different...I'm glad you thought it looked good, I was just thinking the photo didn't do it justice.

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  3. I have made a recipe called "Mexican Albondigas Soup" which is similar - it is from my cookbook "Food To Live By" by Myra Goodman of the Earthbound Farm Organic brand. The meatballs are similar to yours but I will definitely have to try it with different grains - I love the quinoa idea! The soup also has carrots, leek, garlic, tomatoes and peppers. So yummy - now I am in the mood for it! I am going to have to make it this week!

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  4. Yes, my mom used to put rice in her meatballs. She was a great cook. I don't have time lately to make great meatballs, but I think it's in my genes. When I need to summon the meatball genie, I think I can make good meatballs.

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