Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork (optional, you can use all beef if preferred)
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 8 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with their juice
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Additional chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, uncooked rice, mint, cilantro, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Cook the Soup:
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken or beef broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring to a boil.
- Add Meatballs: Carefully add the formed meatballs to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Add the cubed potatoes, sliced zucchini, and ground cumin to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are cooked through, about 20-30 minutes.
Serve:
- Check Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets a good amount of meatballs and vegetables. Serve with lime wedges and garnish with chopped cilantro.