Ground chicken and lean ground beef lower the amount of fat in this soup.

• 1/2 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 pound ground lean beef
• 10 cups water
• 1 tablespoon annato (achiote)
• 1bay leaf
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon mint (yerbabuena)
• 2 small tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 4 tablespoons instant corn flour (masa harina)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 medium chayote (christophine), chopped
• 2 cups cabbage, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 10-ounce package frozen corn
• 2 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro, minced

1. In a large pot, combine water, annato, bay leaf, half of the onion, green pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of mint. Bring to a boil.
2. In a bowl, combine chicken and beef, the other half of the 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 to 45 minutes.
3. Add carrots, chayote, cabbage, and celery. Cook over low heat for 25 minutes. Add corn and zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and the rest of the mint.

Yield: 8 servings--Serving size: 1 1/4 cups Each serving provides:

• Calories: 161
• Total fat: 4 g
• Saturated fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg
• Sodium: 193 mg
• Calcium: 47 mg
• Iron: 2 mg

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