Saturday, May 25, 2013

italian meatball soup


what you need
500g lean beef mince
1 small red onion, grated
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 cup fresh white breadcrumbs
1/3 cup basil leaves, finely chopped
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
700g bottle (2 3/4 cups) tomato pasta sauce with basil
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup risoni
1 tin cooked white beans 
2 zucchini, diced
150g green beans, trimmed, cut into thirds
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese and
crusty Italian bread, to serve

what to do
Combine mince, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, basil, parmesan and egg in a large bowl. 
Season with salt and pepper. Mix well. 
Roll tablespoonfuls of mixture into balls. Place on a large plate.
Pour tomato sauce, stock and 2 cups water into a large, deep saucepan. Cover. Bring to the boil over high heat. Skim froth from surface. 
Add meatballs. Return to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. 
Add risoni and cook for a further 5 minutes. 
Add white and green beans. Cook for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Ladle soup into serving bowls. 
Sprinkle with parmesan if desired and serve with crusty Italian bread.

6 comments:

  1. Will this freeze Joe?
    Looks yum!

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  2. hi Karen

    my apologies, about quarter to half a cup of risoni depending on how thick you would like it

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  3. Is there a common substitute for the risoni.? Not available in the rural area where I live.

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  4. I made this for dinner tonight. Flavors were great and cooking times perfect. It was thinner than I would have liked but I was unable to find Risoni. I live in a rural area and could not find it. Is thee a more common substitute ?

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    Replies
    1. Hi jo..risoni(orzo) would have thicken it up.. you could reakky use any small pasta such as orrechiette, very small pasta tubes or small shells..
      Regards joe

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