Kitten’s Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup
To save some time prepare the meatballs up to a day ahead and the meatball mixture may be doubled, if you don’t use all the meatballs then freeze for another time and just drop them into the soup frozen, 1/4 to 1/3 cup dry red wine may be added to the soup…
This is a thick hearty soup and a meal in itself so all that is really needed is a crusty loaf of bread on the side
Servings 8
INGREDIENTS:
olive oil, as needed
2 medium onions, chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano (rubbed between fingers to release the flavors)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional or adjust to suit heat level)
8 garlic cloves, finely chopped (the more garlic the better!)
1 celery rib, diced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups chicken broth (can use beef broth)
4 cups tomato sauce (for a richer flavor use 2 cups each tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes)
1 (14 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (10 ounce) can green beans, drained
1 small package fresh baby spinach leaves
2 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped
cooked small shell pasta (use any amount desired, small shell pasta or macaroni will work fine)
1/3-1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (more for sprinkling)
salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
MEATBALLS:
1/2 pound lean ground beef
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 green onion, finely chopped (use white part only)
1 large egg, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt (I use seasoned salt)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (can use more)
INSTRUCTIONS:—————————————————
For the meatballs; in a bowl combine all ingredients until blended.
Shape into 3/4-inch balls; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to add to the soup.
In a large pot heat olive oil over medium-high heat (use enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pot.
Add in onions, dried oregano and crushed chili flakes; saute for about 4 minutes.
Add in garlic, celery, carrots and tomato paste; saute stirring for 2-3 minutes stirring with a wooden spoon.
Add in chicken broth, tomato sauce, kidney beans, green beans, spinach leaves and zucchini; return to a boil.
Add in uncooked meatballs; bring to a simmer (do not stir for at least 20 minutes).
Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 1-1/2 to 2 hours (after about 30 minutes of cooking season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste).
Add in cooked pasta and 1/3 to 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; stir to heat through (can add in more cheese if desired).
Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese.
You will also find this recipe on Recipezazz.com
Related posts:
- Kitten’s Italian Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup (Vegetarian Option)
Kitten’s Spaghetti And Meatball Casserole
Kitten’s Meatball Marinara Sandwich
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