Mini Meatball Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 bay leaves (fresh or dried)
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 lb. ground beef, pork and veal combined
1 beaten egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c. Parmigiano or Romano cheese, grated
1/2 c. plain bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. freshly grated or ground nutmeg
6 c. chicken stock or broth
2 c. water
1 1/2 c. dried pasta (rings, elbow, ziti)
1 lb. triple washed fresh spinach, coarsely chopped

Preparation

In a deep pot over medium heat, 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 meat, egg, garlic, grated cheese, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and nutmeg.