Kittencal'S Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 -4 tablespoons olive oil
2 -3 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
2 medium onions, chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional or adjust to suit heat level)
1 stalk celery, diced
4 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 (14 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (10 ounce) can green beans, drained
2 cups chopped fresh spinach (rinsed over with cold water)
2 -3 medium zucchini, sliced thick (or coarsely chopped)
cooked small shell pasta (use any amount desired, small shell pasta or macaroni will work fine)
1/3 - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (more for sprinkling)
salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
MEATBALLS
1/2 lb extra lean ground beef (or use half beef and pork)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 green onion, finely chopped (use white part only)
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt or 1/2 teaspoon white salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Preparation

For the meatballs; in a bowl combine all ingredients until blended.
Shape into 3/4-inch balls; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to add to the soup.
In a large pot heat olive oil over medium-high heat; add in garlic and saute for 2 minutes.
Add in onions, dried oregano and crushed chili flakes; saute for about 4 minutes, stirring.
Add in celery, carrots and tomato paste; saute stirring for 2-3 minutes stirring with a wooden spoon.
Add in chicken broth, tomato sauce, kidney beans, green beans, spinach leaves and zucchini; return to a boil.
Add in uncooked meatballs; bring to a simmer (do not stir for at least 20 minutes).
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).
Add in cooked pasta and 1/3 to 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; stir to heat through (can add in more cheese if desired).
Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese.