(serves 6)

Here's how to save time:  Chop and prepare all the vegetables the night before and refrigerate until ready to use.  I like to use my food processor and pulse a few times to chop each one finely.  

1 stick cinnamon, cut in three pieces

1 1/2 tsp cumin seeds

1/4 tsp ground cloves

2 tsp coriander seeds

1 tbsp olive oil

1 1/2 cups yellow onion, finely chopped (reserve 1/4 cup for the meatballs)

3 cups red cabbage, finely chopped

4 stalks celery, finely chopped

1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped 

2 turnips, peeled and diced

4 rose skin potatoes, diced (makes 2 cups)

1 cup delicata or butternut squash, diced

1 lb grass-fed lean ground beef

1 large egg, beaten

1/2 cup basmati rice, uncooked

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp oregano

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp sea salt or more to taste

1 tsp chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped (optional)

32 oz  chicken or vegetable broth

15 oz fire roasted tomatoes, chopped + juice

Optional toppings for Serving: 

Chopped cilantro

Pepitas

Diced avocado

Crushed tortilla chips

Stove-top Method:              

Place a large pot under medium heat, and saute the cinnamon, cumin, ground cloves, and coriander seeds for a minute or two until fragrant.  Place in a spice grinder and pulse until finely ground.  Set aside for now.

Using the same pot, heat 1/2 tbsp of olive oil.  Add the onions mixing occasionally until they start to soften.  Add the cabbage, celery, bell pepper, 1/4 tsp sea salt and continue sauteing for another five minutes, stirring often.  Transfer to a large bowl.  Then add to it the potatoes, turnips, and squash and mix together.

In another large bowl, combine the meat, egg, rice, 1/4 cup of chopped onion previously set aside, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and two teaspoon of the spice mixture.  Mix until thoroughly combined.  Form meat mixture into golfball sized meatballs.

Heat remaining 1/2 tbsp of olive oil in the pot under medium heat.  Brown the meatballs in batches until each one is golden brown on all sides.  Return all the meatballs to the pot.  Add broth, all the vegetables, tomatoes, bay leaf, remaining spice mixture, and chipotle (if using).  Gently mix together and bring to a boil.  Cover and lower the heat to a simmer.  Continue simmering for 30 minutes.  

Serve with bowls filled with various fun toppings at the center of the table and enjoy!

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