Are you looking to spice up your culinary skills and create a dish that’s both flavorful and unique? Look no further than Beef Almondigas, a traditional Filipino recipe that combines the richness of beef with the crunch of almonds and the savory flavor of vegetables. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
What is Beef Almondigas?
For those who may not be familiar, Beef Almondigas is a Filipino noodle soup dish that consists of a flavorful broth made with beef, vegetables, and a variety of spices. What sets it apart from other noodle soups is the addition of almondigas, small meatballs made from ground beef and rolled in crushed almonds, giving the dish a delightful texture and flavor. The result is a dish that’s both hearty and comforting, making it perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
For the broth:
- 2 lbs beef bones
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon patis (fish sauce)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups water
For the almondigas:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup grated zucchini
- 1/4 cup crushed almonds
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
For the noodles:
- 8 ounces rice noodles
For garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lemon wedges
- Additional almondigas for serving
Instructions
1: Make the Broth
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Next, add the beef bones, beef broth, patis, soy sauce, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the broth has thickened slightly. Strain the broth and discard the solids.
Add the tomato paste and stir well to combine. Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste.
2: Make the Almondigas
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, grated zucchini, crushed almonds, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will make the almondigas tough.
Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1/4 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 40-50 almondigas.
3: Cook the Almondigas
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom. Add the almondigas and cook until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4: Cook the Noodles
Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5: Assemble the Dish
To assemble the dish, place some noodles in a bowl and ladle the hot broth over the top. Add a few almondigas and garnish with chopped green onions, chopped fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- To make the dish even more flavorful, try adding a few star anise pods and a cinnamon stick to the broth while it simmers.
- If you want to make the dish more substantial, try adding some sliced beef or pork to the broth.
- Experiment with different vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, to add even more flavor and texture to the dish.
- To make the almondigas even crunchier, try coating them in a mixture of crushed almonds and panko breadcrumbs before frying them.
READ MORE: The Unbeatable Pair: Rosemary and Beef