Hearty Meatball Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb. ground chuck
3 Tbsp. butter
1 can (1 lb. 2 oz.) tomatoes
2 cans consomme
1 can or pkg. dry onion soup mix
4 carrots, pared
1/4 c. celery tops, chopped
1/4 c. parsley, chopped
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp. oregano leaves
1/4 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. salt
10 peppercorns
1 c. cut okra
1 c. water

Preparation

With hands lightly shape chuck into 1-inch balls.
In hot butter in a 6-quart pan.
Saute meatballs, turning until browned all over.
Drain off fat.
Add remaining ingredients and bring just to boiling.
Reduce heat and simmer covered 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up tomatoes.
Serve very hot.
Is better the second day.
Serves 6.