Sicilian Meatball Soup

• 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

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.

ground beef, parsley, raisins, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, salt, freshground black pepper, olive oil, carrots, onion, celery, zucchini, chicken broth, tomatoes, rosemary, pasta shells

Taken from www.myrecipes.com/recipe/sicilian-meatball-soup (may not work)