Meatball Macaroni Soup
2 Tablespoons EVOO (twice around the pan)
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 ribs of celery, chopped
1 medium onion, choppped
2 bay leaves, fresh or dried
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pound ground beef, pork, and veal combined (I just use beef)
1 egg beaten
2 cloves of galic, minced
1/2 cup grated parmigiano Reggiano or Romano cheese
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs (a couple of handfuls)
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated or ground nutmeg
6 cups chicken stock or broth
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups dried pasta: rings, broken fettuccini or ditalini
1 pund triple-washed spinach, coarsely chopped
In a deep pot over medium head, add oil, chopped carrots, celery, onions and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Cover pot and cook veggies, 5 or 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the veggies cook, combine ground meats, egg, garlic, grated cheese, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Add broth and water to pot of veggies. Increase heat to high and bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat a bit and start to roll meat mixture into balls, dropping them straight into the pot. When you are done rolling the meat, add pasta to the soup and stir. Cover and simmer soup, 10 mintues. When pasta is tender, stir in chopped spinach in batches. When spinach is wilted, the soup is done and ready to serve. Adjust your seasonings, and serve with crusty bead or grill cheese sandwiches.