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Kittencal's Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup

Here's how you make Kittencal's Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup
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  • Servings: 8
  • Prep: 25m
  • Cook: 2h
    • The following recipe serves 8 people.

Ingredients

The ingredients are:
  • Olive oil, as needed
  • 2 medium yellow 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 can (14 ounce) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can (10 ounce) green beans, drained
  • 6 to 8 cups baby spinach leaves (one small package)
  • 2 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 to 1 cup dry small shell pasta (you really can use any amount desired, macaroni will work fine also)
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (more for sprinkling)
  • 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)
  • 3 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
We recommend you get your ingredients ready before you start cooking. Once you're ready, here are the steps to making this delicious recipe

How to Make

  • Step 1: For the meatballs; in a bowl combine all ingredients until blended.

  • Step 2: Shape into 3/4-inch balls; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to add to the soup.

  • Step 3: In a large pot heat olive oil over medium-high heat (use enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pot.

  • Step 4: Add in onions, dried oregano and crushed chili flakes; saute for about 4 minutes.

  • Step 5: Add in garlic, celery, carrots and tomato paste; saute stirring for 2-3 minutes stirring with a wooden spoon.

  • Step 6: Add in chicken broth, tomato sauce, kidney beans, green beans, spinach leaves and zucchini; return to a boil.

  • Step 7: Add in uncooked meatballs; bring to a simmer (do not stir for at least 20 minutes).

  • Step 8: 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).

  • Step 9: Add in cooked pasta and 1/3 to 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; stir to heat through (can add in more cheese if desired)

  • Step 10: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Step 11: Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese.

We hope you enjoy this recipe!

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