Albondigas soup is a traditional Mexican meatball soup...most always loaded with vegetables and full of flavor. For this Chorizo Albondigas Bean Soup I made meatballs with Mexican Chorizo and added Mayocoba Beans for the soup
2tablespoonsolive oildivided, plus more for drizzling
2clovesgarlicfinely chopped
1sprig thyme
1cupdried white beansrinsed and misfits removed or 2 15 ounce cans white beans, drained and rinsed.
1smallonionchopped
2clovesgarlicminced
1sprigthyme
2cupschicken broth
1bay leaf
salt and freshly ground pepper
5ouncesbaby spinachabout 10 cups
Smoked paprika for dusting
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For the meatballs. In a fry pan, heat oil over medium high heat. Add the onions and celery and cook until tender. About 5 minutes. Let cool slightly. In a large bowl, add chorizo, onion and celery mixture, the egg, Panko bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Blend and then shape into balls. Place meatballs on a sheet pan and bake for 25 minutes.
For the soup: Place Mayocoba beans and three cups water in a crockpot. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until beans are tender.
In a Dutch oven heat the oil and cook the onion until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chicken broth, the thyme, bay leaf, and the cooked beans. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Add in cooked meatballs and gently stir until meatballs are covered in the soup mixture. Remove bay leaf. Add the fresh spinach just before serving.
Spoon into bowls and garnish with a good sprinkle of smoked sweet paprika.