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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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Flavored with Parmesan and garlic and studded with raisins, scrumptious Sicilian meatballs turn vegetable soup into a tempting meal. If the soup waits, the pasta may absorb much of the liquid; just add water or more stock. Ingredients:
1/2 pound ground beef |
5 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley |
1/4 cup grated parmesan, plus more for serving |
2 tablespoons raisins |
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs |
1 egg, beaten |
5 cloves garlic, minced |
2 1/2 teaspoons salt |
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper |
2 tablespoons olive oil |
2 carrots, cut into 1/4-inch dice |
1 onion, chopped |
2 ribs celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice |
1 zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch dice |
1 1/2 quarts canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock |
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes in thick puree |
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, or 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary |
1 cup small pasta shells or other small macaroni |
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, 4 tablespoons of the parsley, the Parmesan, raisins, bread crumbs, egg, half of the garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper until thoroughly combined. Shape the mixture into 24 meatballs.
2. In a large pot, heat the oil over moderate heat. Add the carrots, onion, celery, and the remaining garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Stir in the broth, tomatoes, rosemary, and the remaining 2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes.
3. Add the remaining tablespoon parsley, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and the pasta to the soup. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the meatballs and simmer gently until the meatballs and pasta are done, about 5 minutes longer. Serve with additional Parmesan.
4. Wine Recommendation: This robust potion calls for a similarly rustic southern red. Look for Corvo, a smooth and satisfying wine from the well-known firm Duca di Salaparuta.
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