Sopa de Albondigas con Fideo

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1 Egg
• 1/4 cup Uncooked White Rice (or 1/2 cup cooked rice)
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 2 Roma tomatoes (halved)
• 1/2 Small White Onion (peeled and quartered)
• 2 Garlic Cloves (peeled)
• 2 tablespoon Chicken bouillon
• 1/4 cup Water
• 1 tablespoon Oil
• 8 cups water
• 1 Large Zucchini (chopped )
• 2 Large Carrots (or 5 small ones, peeled and sliced)
• 1 Large Russeet Potato (peeled and diced)
• 1 teaspoon Oil
• 7 ounces Fideo Noodles
• Salt (taste broth and see if salt is needed)
• Lime wedges, Rice, or Tortillas for serving

Instructions

1. 1

   Add ground meat, egg, rice, spices, salt, and pepper to a bowl. Mix lightly until incorporated. Cover and set aside while you prep the sauce.

2. 2

   Place the tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken bouillon, and water in a blender and blend till smooth.

3. 3

   Heat a large soup pot over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the blended tomato mixture and saute for a couple of minutes until it starts bubbling. Slowly add the 8 cups of water and bring to a boil.

4. 4

   Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to form uniform meatballs, I was able to make 18 meatballs. Carefully place formed meatballs into the boiling soup broth.

5. 5

   Once all the meatballs are added, let them cook for about 10 minutes.

6. 6

   In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon of oil. Add the fideo noodles, either the entire 7 oz package or half if you want fewer noodles and a soupier consistency. Spread the noodles around and once they are slightly browned, add them to the soup broth.

7. 7

   Add the chopped potatoes, carrots, and zucchini. Bring the soup back to a boil, then cook for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the pasta is cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Taste the broth to see if additional salt is needed.

8. 8

   Serve the soup with a squeeze of lime, hot sauce, or chopped cilantro, if you like.