Albondigas Soup

INGREDIENTS

* 1 pound lean ground beef * 1/4 pound pork sausage * 1 onion, chopped * 1 egg, beaten * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper * 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder * 1/4 cup milk * 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil * 1/2 cup cornmeal * 6 (14 ounce) cans beef broth * 1 (8 ounce) jar salsa * 1 onion, chopped * 2 (14.5 ounce) cans peeled and diced tomatoes * 1/2 teaspoon dried basil * 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano * 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper * 1/2 cup white rice

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix together beef broth, salsa, 1 onion, tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. (If you use condensed beef broth (e.g., Campbell's), eliminate the salt in the meatballs and use 5 cans (10.5 ounces each) broth plus one quart water.) Bring to a boil and simmer 20 minutes. 2. Combine ground chuck, sausage, 1 onion, egg, salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, garlic powder, milk, fresh basil, and cornmeal, and mix well. Form into tiny, bite-size meatballs. 3. Add meatballs and rice to broth. Simmer, covered, very slowly for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.