INGREDIENTS
- Meatballs:
- 8 ounces ground pork
- 8 ounces lean ground beef
- 1/2 c. fresh, hearty white bread crumbs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 c. finely shredded Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large egg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Soup:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (1 1/2 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/4 c. diced yellow onion
- 1 1/4 c. (1/4”) diced carrots
- 3/4 c. (1/4”) diced celery
- 1 c. dry acini de pepe or orzo pasta
- Finely shredded Parmesan, for serving
- 5 (14.5 ounces) cans of low-sodium chicken broth
- 6 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
Meatballs:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, place the beef and pork. Add the bread crumbs along with the parsley, oregano, Parmesan, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix well, even breaking the mixture up using your hands. Form the mixture into very small (about 3/4-inch to 1-inch) meatballs. To a large plate, transfer the meatballs.
Step 2: In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add half of the meatballs to the skillet and cook for about 2 to 4 minutes until all sides are brown, turning the meatballs often.
Step 3: To a plate lined with paper towels, transfer the cooked meatballs. Leave the oil in the skillet and cook the other half of the meatballs.
Soup:
Step 4: Meanwhile, drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot. Heat over medium-high heat, then add the carrots, onions, and celery. Cook the veggies for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and continue to cook for a minute more.
Step 5: To the pot, pour in the chicken broth. To taste, season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta and meatballs. Adjust the heat to medium or medium-low.
Step 6: Put the lid on and continue to cook for another 10 minutes until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are completely cooked, stirring often. In the last minute of cooking, add the spinach.
Step 7: Remove from the heat when done and serve right away garnished with Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!