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Step 1
Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a Dutch oven. Add rice and ½ teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally for 6 minutes. Take this time to chop your veggies for the soup. Drain rice and rinse thoroughly in cold water (we are parboiling the rice; it will not be completely tender). Set aside.
Step 2
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and jalapenos and cook 3 minutes. Add carrots, celery, potatoes and all seasonings. Cook for an additional 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, green chiles and broth.
Step 3
Cover pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a low simmer and cook, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes while you make the meatballs.
Step 4
Meatballs: Add egg to a large bowl and whisk. Add 1 cup parboiled rice and all remaining meatball ingredients and mix well. Shape 1 tablespoon-size meatballs and place on a parchment lined baking sheet; about 40-45 meatballs.
Step 5
Add meatballs, remaining parboiled rice, and chopped chayote to the soup. Add 1-2 cups water if desired for a less chunky soup. Bring to a boil then reduce to a gentle simmer for an additional 12-15 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through and rice is tender – don’t stir meatballs for at least 5 minutes or they’ll break apart.
Step 6
Ladle into bowls and top with desired toppings.