Alphabet Meatball Soup
serves 8-10
Ingredients:
Meatballs:
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
4 Tablespoons onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 large egg, lights beaten
1 lb ground beef
For Soup:
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
2 clove garlic, minced
8 cups chicken stock
1 cup crushed tomatoes in puree
1 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 7oz bag of alphabet pasta, dry
First make the meatballs. Combine all ingredients for meatballs except egg and ground beef, mix well. Use a fork to add in egg and then mix in gorund beef, mixing well with your hands. Shape beef mixture into 1-inch balls. (make about 4 dozen meatballs)
Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large frying pan. Place meatballs in the frying pan and cook them over meduim heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them often so they brown evenly, until centers are just slightly pink. Set aside.
For soup, heat oil in a large soup pot. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Cook veggies until tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, and spices. Bring soup to a slow boil over medium heat, then add pasta.
Keep the soup boiling until pasta is almost cooked about 6-7 minutes. Add meatballs to the soup and continue to cook for 3 more minutes. Enjoy!
*You can usually find the alphabet pasta in the hispanic section of stores.
