Combine masa harina with warm water. Mix ground meat with prepared masa, salt, pepper, garlic. Make meatballs about 1-inch round, about the size of a walnut. Set aside. In medium saute pan heat 2 tablespoons lard or oil over medium heat. Add 1 whole garlic clove. Let cook for 20 seconds, press with back of a cooking spoon to release the flavor. Remove the garlic. Set aside. Brown the flour in the lard until dark golden color, about 1 minute. Heat stock in soup pot or large Dutch oven until warm and add flour mixture. Bring to a boil and lower heat to simmer stock for 5 minutes. Taste and correct seasoning. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil in large frying pan, add chopped scallion, tomato, chiles and the reserved 2 garlic cloves, minced, stir well to combine. Cook for 2 minutes and add to stock. Add cilantro and mint and simmer for another 5 minutes. Add the meatballs to the stock and simmer over low fire for 15 minutes or until done. This recipe yields about 45 mall meatballs.

Comments: Whenever my mother comes to visit, I always ask her to make me these albondigas. I have tried to serve them at the restaurant but people can't seem to get excited about meatballs. Too bad! It's a fabulous soup. My mother always served it with freshly made corn tortillas, salsa casera and refried beans with asadero. Meatballs freeze well and reheat wonderfully.

Recipe

Martinez From the Tv Food Network - (Show # Cl-9321)

Formatted for MasterCook by Joe Comiskey, aka Mr Mad - joecomiskey@netzero. Net

Per serving: 36 Calories (kcal); 3g Total Fat; (69% calories from fat); 2g Protein; 1g Carbohydrate; 9mg Cholesterol; 7mg Sodium Food Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates