Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

Meatballs

1 pound ground chicken
2 limes, zest and juice
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped fine
1 teaspoon jalapeño pepper, chopped fine
¼ cup red pepper, chopped fine
1 tablespoon dried cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten

Soup

Olive oil, for sautéing
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 medium red pepper, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 medium zucchini, sliced round
1 teaspoon jalapeño pepper, deseeded and chopped fine
1 tablespoon dried cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cracked pepper
4 cups chicken stock
4 small fresh corn tortillas, sliced in thin strips
Avocado, for garnish
Cotija cheese, for garnish

PREPARATION

To assemble meatballs, use fingers to mix together all ingredients until well blended. Form into balls from 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large soup pan on medium high heat. Sauté garlic, onions, red pepper and carrots for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add zucchini, jalapeños and spices, season with salt and pepper. Mix well, sautéing for another few minutes. Pour in the chicken stock and stir until well combined. Gently lower the meatballs into the pan. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook for another 20 to 30 minutes on low and until meatballs are cooked through. Take off heat and add tortilla strips. Let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.