SPANISH MEATBALLS WITH BEANS AND GREENS

Spanish Meatballs with Beans and Greens image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 55m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 slices stale white bread crust trimmed
1/2 cup milk, to soften bread
12 ounces ground beef
12 ounces ground pork
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons grated onion
1 round tablespoon smoked sweet paprika
2 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
1 egg, beaten
Handful fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
Handful fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
Olive oil cooking spray
2 tablespoons EVOO
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 red chile pepper, seeded and chopped
1 Spanish onion, chopped
Salt and pepper
1 large bundle flat lacinato kale or other dark greens such as escarole, stemmed and chopped or thinly sliced
6 to 8 cups of chicken stock
One 15- to 18-ounce can garbanzo beans or white kidney beans
Crusty bread, to pass

Steps:

For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Soak the bread in milk to soften in a small dish.
Place the beef and pork in a mixing bowl. Squeeze out the milk from the bread and crumble into small bits as you add to bowl. Sprinkle the meats with salt and pepper, and add the onions, paprika, garlic, egg, cilantro and parsley. Mix thoroughly. Roll into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and arrange on a baking sheet. Spray with olive oil spray and bake until crispy on the outside, about 20 minutes.
For the greens and beans: Meanwhile, heat the EVOO in a Dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat. Add the garlic, chiles and onions. Season with salt and pepper, and stir for 5 minutes. Wilt in the greens, and add the stock and beans. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and add the meatballs. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
Remove from the heat and cool completely. Store in the refrigerator for a make-ahead meal.
Reheat the soup over medium heat and serve with crusty bread.