Albondigas

Albondigas is a traditional Mexican soup made in a variety of different ways.  This particular version uses the stock created when Pork Carnitas are prepared.  Start by chilling the stock and skimming off the fat.  Check it for seasonings and set aside.  By the way, a recipe for carnitas can be found here by searching under the pork recipes.
In a bowl, mix 1/2lb bulk sausage and 1/2lb ground beef.  Add an egg, 2t oregano, 1/4C raw rice, 2T chopped cilantro and salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and form into bite sized meat balls.  In order to eliminate most of the fat from the pork, simmer the meat balls for about 30 min.  This also cooks the rice.  We also added 1 chopped carrot for color.
The traditional recipe calles for diced potatoes but we had some left over noodles so we used them instead.  Add the meat balls and heat through.  Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with warm tortillas.  The spices used to make the carnitas make a very different and delicious stock.