Kittencal'S Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup

• 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

1. For the meatballs; in a bowl combine all ingredients until blended.
2. Shape into 3/4-inch balls; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to add to the soup.
3. In a large pot heat olive oil over medium-high heat; add in garlic and saute for 2 minutes.
4. Add in onions, dried oregano and crushed chili flakes; saute for about 4 minutes, stirring.
5. Add in celery, carrots and tomato paste; saute stirring for 2-3 minutes stirring with a wooden spoon.
6. Add in chicken broth, tomato sauce, kidney beans, green beans, spinach leaves and zucchini; return to a boil.
7. Add in uncooked meatballs; bring to a simmer (do not stir for at least 20 minutes).
8. 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).
9. Add in cooked pasta and 1/3 to 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; stir to heat through (can add in more cheese if desired).
10. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese.

garlic, onions, oregano, red pepper, celery, carrots, tomato paste, chicken broth, tomato sauce, kidney beans, green beans, fresh spinach, zucchini, shell pasta, parmesan cheese, salt, meatballs, extra lean ground beef, garlic, green onion, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, seasoning salt, fresh ground black pepper

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/kittencals-mini-meatball-minestrone-soup-317796 (may not work)