Kittencal'S Italian Wedding Soup

• 6 cups good quality chicken broth (see my Kittencal's Best Chicken Stock/Broth (Crock Pot Option))
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (or the zest from 1 lemon)
• 2 cups finely sliced escarole (or use spinach)
• 1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta (or use 1 cup cooked rice added in at the end)
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (more for sprinkling) (optional)
• MEATBALLS
• 1/4 lb extra lean ground beef
• 1/4 lb ground pork (or use 1/2 pound ground beef)
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 green onion, finely chopped (use white part only)
• 2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt or 1/2 teaspoon white salt
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

1. For the meatballs; in a bowl combine all ingredients together, using hands mix until well combined.
2. Shape into 3/4-inch balls.
3. Place onto a plate or refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Pour the chicken broth in a large saucepan then add in the black pepper; bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Drop in the meatballs, then stir in the escarole or spinach, lemon zest and uncooked orzo; return to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the orzo is tender.
7. OPTIONAL; at the end of cooking mix in 1/3 cup of parmesan cheese until heated through.
8. Season with salt if desired.
9. Ladle into bowl then sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese on top.

chicken broth, fresh ground black pepper, lemon zest, orzo pasta, parmesan cheese, meatballs, extra lean ground beef, ground pork, parsley, egg, garlic, green onion, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, seasoning salt, fresh ground black pepper

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/kittencals-italian-wedding-soup-317729 (may not work)