Meatball Lentil Soup

Combine water, tomatoes, chicken broth, cilantro, serrano pepper, garlic, cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil. Add lentils and onion and return to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and let simmer, stirring after 10 minutes, about 25 minutes total.

While soup is simmering, mix ground beef, rice, bread crumbs, milk, garlic powder, remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt together in a bowl. Mix to combine and form into small meatballs. Add to the pot, making sure they are covered with liquid, adding a small amount of water if necessary.

Bring to a boil, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes. Stir gently; add potato and carrot and cover. Let simmer until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.