Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/2 medium white or yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 medium white or yellow onion, medium dice
  • 1 medium garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
  • 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 8 cups (2 quarts) low-sodium chicken broth or stock
  • 2 medium carrots, large dice
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes, cored and large dice
  • 2 medium zucchini, large dice
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican-style hot sauce, such as Cholula or Tapatio, plus more as needed
  • Coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
  • Tortilla chips or warmed tortillas

Method

  • Using your hands, combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and place in the refrigerator.
  • Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add the onion, garlic, measured salt, chili powder, and cumin and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Increase the heat to high, add the broth or stock, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer.
  • Meanwhile, form the meatballs: Fill a small bowl with water.
  • Roll the meat mixture into 1-1/4-inch balls (about 1 heaping tablespoon each), wetting your hands as necessary to keep the mixture from sticking.
  • Place the meatballs on a baking sheet.
  • Add the carrots and tomatoes to the broth, stir to combine, and return to a simmer.
  • Add the meatballs, evenly placing them around the pot (no need to stir), and return to a simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to medium low and cover the pot with a tightfitting lid.
  • Cook until the rice and the meatballs are cooked through, about 20 minutes.
  • Add the zucchini, stir to combine, and simmer uncovered until the zucchini is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat, add the measured hot sauce, and stir to combine.
  • Taste and season with additional salt and hot sauce as needed.
  • Serve with the cilantro, tortilla chips or tortillas, and extra hot sauce on the side.