Alphabet Meatball Soup

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.