Sopa de Albondigas

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 4 cups water

• 2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans beef broth

• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled & cubed
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 beaten egg
• 1/4 cup finely snipped cilantro or parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup long grain rice, uncooked

Directions

1. 1

   In a large saucepan cook onion and garlic in hot oil until onion is tender but not brown.

2. 2

   Stir in water, broth and tomato paste.

3. 3

   Bring to a boil; add potatoes and carrots.

4. 4

   Simmer 5 minutes.

5. 5

   Meanwhile combine egg, cilantro or parsley, salt, oregano and pepper.

6. 6

   Add ground beef and rice and mix well.

7. 7

   Form into 1-inch meatballs.

8. 8

   Add, a few at a time, to the simmering soup.

9. 9

   When all meatballs are added, bring soup back to boiling.

10. 10

    Reduce heat and simmer about 30 minutes, or until meatballs and vegetables are done.