Meatball Soup the Mexican Way

Zucchini, corn, and tomatoes, our brothy soup is comforting, especially on chilly evenings. Oregano flavors both the liquid and the meatballs.

1       tablespoon cooking oil
1       small red onion, chopped
2       jalapeño peppers, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
1       zucchini (about 1/2 pound), cut into 1/2-inch dice
2-1/4     teaspoons dried oregano, or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
1/2     teaspoon ground cumin
1        quart canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
2        cups water
1-1/2     cups drained canned diced tomatoes (one 15-ounce can)
1-3/4     teaspoons salt
3/4     teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1/2     pound ground beef
2        cloves garlic, minced
2-1/2      tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1        egg, beaten to mix
1        cup fresh (cut from about 2 ears) or frozen corn kernels
1        tablespoon lime juice

1 .  In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and half the jalapeños and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the zucchini,1 1/2 teaspoons of the dried oregano, if using, and 1/4 teaspoon of the cumin and cook, stirring, until the zucchini starts to soften, about 3 minutes.
2 .  Add the broth, water, tomatoes, 1 1/4teaspoons of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper; bring to a simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes.
3 .  Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic, the remaining jalapeño, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon of the fresh oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, the bread crumbs, and the egg. Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4 .  Add the meatballs and corn to the soup and simmer until the meatballs are just done, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lime juice and the remaining 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, if using.

SUGGESTED PAIRING :
The oregano, jalapeños, and cumin here would give most wines a run for their money, but a lusty red Zinfandel is spicy and rich enough to face those powerful ingredients without flinching.

Heart Healthy