Meatball Soup

1/2 lb ground chicken
1/2 lb ground lean beef
10 C water
1 Tbsp annato (also called achiote), optional, for coloring
1 bay leaf
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 C green pepper, chopped
1 tsp mint
2 small tomatoes, chopped
1/2 tsp oregano
4 Tbsp instant corn flour
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 C cabbage, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 package (10 oz) frozen corn
2 medium zucchini, chopped
1 medium chayote, chopped (added zucchini can be used instead)
1/2 C cilantro, minced


1. In large pot, combine water, annato, bay leaf, half of onion, green pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of mint. Bring to boil.
2. In bowl, combine chicken, beef, other half of onion, tomato, oregano, corn flour, pepper, garlic, and salt. Mix well. Form 1-inch meatballs. Place meatballs in boiling water and lower heat. Cook over low heat for 30–45 minutes.
3. Add carrots, chayote, cabbage, and celery. Cook over low heat for 25 minutes. Add corn and zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and rest of mint.