KITTENCAL'S MINI MEATBALL MINESTRONE SOUP

Kittencal's Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup image

This is a delicious rich soup that will need a longer cooking time then most soups and tastes even better the next day it's really a meal in itself, I serve it with garlic bread on the side --- to save some time prepare the meatballs up to a day ahead, the meatball mixture may be doubled if desired, 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 :)

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Time 1h40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 25

Ingredients

3 -4 tablespoons olive oil
2 -3 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
2 medium onions, chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional or adjust to suit heat level)
1 stalk celery, diced
4 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
2 cups chopped fresh spinach (rinsed over with cold water)
2 -3 medium zucchini, sliced thick (or coarsely chopped)
cooked small shell pasta (use any amount desired, small shell pasta or macaroni will work fine)
1/3-1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (more for sprinkling)
salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1/2 lb extra lean ground beef (or use half beef and pork)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 green onion, finely chopped (use white part only)
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt or 1/2 teaspoon white salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

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; add in garlic and saute for 2 minutes.
Add in onions, dried oregano and crushed chili flakes; saute for about 4 minutes, stirring.
Add in 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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270.4, Fat 10.5, SaturatedFat 3, Cholesterol 46.1, Sodium 1365.2, Carbohydrate 27.8, Fiber 8, Sugar 12.4, Protein 18.6

*** Explore more Kittencal's Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup Recipes »

Comment
Leave a comment

There are no comments yet!

Name

Message

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...

Check it out »

#time-to-make #course #main-ingredient #cuisine #preparation #occasion #soups-stews #vegetables #easy #european #beginner-cook #dinner-party #holiday-event #winter #italian #stove-top #seasonal #comfort-food #inexpensive #meat #taste-mood #equipment #4-hours-or-less