Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 small onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/3 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 pound ground sirloin beef
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 carrot, cut into rounds (about 3/4 cup)
  • 1 serrano chile, whole
  • 1 Yukon gold potato, skin on, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 8 cups vegetable stock
  • 2 zucchini, diced (about 1 cup)

Method

  • In a heavy large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Cool slightly.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the onion, rice, cilantro, ground meat, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper.
  • Using wet hands, shape the meat mixture into 20 to 22 (1-inch) meatballs.
  • Combine the carrots, serrano chile, potato, tomato paste, and vegetable stock in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
  • Add the meatballs and zucchini and simmer on low heat until the meatballs are cooked through, about 20 minutes.
  • Season the soup with salt and pepper, to taste.