Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 6 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped (about 3 cups)
  • 2 medium green bell peppers, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup stone-ground yellow cornmeal
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 1 pound plum tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 1 large carrot, cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 2 quarts plus 2 cups water
  • 6 cilantro sprigs, plus 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup long-grain rice
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Method

  • In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with half of the minced garlic, 1 cup of the chopped onion, 1 cup of the chopped bell peppers, the oregano, cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt and the egg.
  • Add the cornmeal in 2 batches, mixing gently until combined.
  • Shape the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
  • Transfer to a plate and refrigerate.
  • In a medium stockpot, heat the oil until shimmering.
  • Add the remaining minced garlic and cook over moderate heat until golden, about 30 seconds.
  • Add the remaining chopped onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes.
  • Add the remaining chopped bell peppers and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes longer.
  • Add the tomatoes and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the carrot and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
  • Add the water, cilantro sprigs and 2 teaspoons of salt and bring the soup to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add the rice and simmer for 10 minutes longer.
  • Add the meatballs to the soup and simmer over moderately high heat until they are cooked through and the rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Skim the fat from the surface of the soup and season with salt and pepper.
  • Ladle the meatball soup into bowls and garnish with the chopped cilantro.
  • Serve the soup with lime wedges.