Albondigas Soup With Cilantro Pesto

Witch Doctor's Note:

Taking its name from the word for the meatballs that float in its rich broth, this great one-dish meal is arguably the national soup of Mexico. Make a big pot for a casual party, keeping it warm on the stove top. Adding the cilantro pesto to each serving produces a wonderfully fresh taste.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 35 mins
• Prep Time: 55 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• ¾ cup short-grain white rice
• 1 ½ cups water
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 white onions , diced
• ½ lb ground pork
• ½ lb ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 garlic clove , minced
• 1 zucchini , diced
• 2 carrots , peeled and diced
• 2 ripe tomatoes , peeled, seeded and diced
• 6 cups chicken broth

For the Cilantro Pesto

• ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 fresh mint sprig , stemmed and chopped
• 2 limes, juice of
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• ½ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Place the rice in a heatproof bowl. Bring the water to a boil and pour it over the rice. Let soak for 40 minutes, then drain; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a sauté pan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil. Add 1 of the diced onions and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool.
3. In a bowl, combine the pork, beef, cooled onion, soaked rice, egg, cumin, oregano, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper. Using your hands, mix well and form into 1-inch balls.
4. In a large soup pot over medium heat, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Add the remaining diced onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, zucchini, carrots and tomatoes and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken stock, stir well and bring to a boil. Carefully slip the meatballs into the pot, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered until the meatballs are fully cooked, about 45 minutes. Stir in the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
5. While the soup simmers, make the cilantro pesto: In a mini food processor or a blender, combine the cilantro, mint, lime juice, olive oil, water and salt. Process to a paste.
6. Ladle the soup into warmed soup bowls and top each serving with a dollop of cilantro pesto. Serve at once.