Spicy Tomato Soup

Meatballs

 * 2½ pounds ground beef
 * 2 eggs
 * ¼ cup uncooked rice
 * 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
 * ½ teaspoon salt
 * ¼ teaspoon pepper
 * ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
 * ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Soup

 * 2½ quarts water
 * ¼ cup uncooked rice
 * 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
 * 2 onions, sliced
 * 2 tomatoes, sliced
 * 6 serrano chiles, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped
 * 1 bunch cilantro, tough stems removed, finely chopped

Meatballs

 * 1) Combine ground beef, eggs, rice, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder and cumin in large bowl, mixing well.
 * 2) Shape mixture into meatballs about 1½ inches in diameter.

Soup

 * 1) Bring water to a boil in a large stockpot over high heat.
 * 2) Add meatballs and rice and boil for 30 minutes, skimming off any scum that rises to the top.
 * 3) Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
 * 4) Add onions, tomatoes and about one-sixth of the chiles and sauté until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
 * 5) Add the onion mixture to the meatballs and broth, along with the remaining chiles; reduce the heat to low and simmer 10 minutes.
 * 6) Just before serving, stir in the cilantro.