Nana’s Albondigas!

My cousins and I were lucky enough to grow up with Nana’s cooking. One of her dishes she made was Albondigas which is a meatball soup. Since she has very picky children, grandchildren and great grandchildren she makes it very simple. She recently mentioned that she was craving albondigas, so, I decided to make it for her.

Ingredients:

• Hamburger (1 pound)
• Rice (1 cup, uncooked)
• Cilantro (as much or as little as you would like)
• zucchinis (3, she loves zucchinis)
• Tomato sauce (1 small can)
• Water
• Salt
• Pepper
• Ground Garlic Powder
• Ground Onion Powder
• Ground Cumin

Nani has 8 children, 10 adopted children (friends of her children that have ALWAYS been around), 10 grandchildren that she cooked for ALL OF THE TIME, and 6 great grandchildren. Her love language is cooking her loved ones food. There was never any measuring, as she says, you just have to feel it.

What to do:

1. Cut your zucchinis into half inch thick disks
2. In a pot, coat the bottom with oil and turn on medium low heat.
3. Place your zucchinis in and let them cook until both sides have a golden brown on them
4. Chop up your cilantro and place it in a bowl
5. Place all of your hamburger meat, uncooked rice and seasoning in the same bowl and mix until well combined.
6. Roll your meat mixture into balls, making sure they are all the same size. Place into the pot with your zucchinis
7. Fill up with water until everything is covered. Your heat should be on medium heat
8. Once the rice and the hamburger are fully cooked add in your can of tomato sauce, add some seasoning to the pot and mix.and reduce the heat to low and cover
9. Let it cook for another 10 minutes on the low heat

She would serve this to us in a giant bowl. If I can remember correctly everyone eats it plain or with a tortilla. The Potato Soup however, there is a GAINT debate on how that should be eaten and I don’t think anyone actually eats it the same.

If you all make this please let me know how it came out for you, and if you added anything to it. I know traditionally you add corn on the cob, carrots, potatoes, and celery. Nani will add corn, potatoes and carrots but it depends on who she is making it for. She used to make the broth as well but she’s older and cheats, but it still tastes delicious!

-Dezi