Escarole Soup With Pasta and Meatballs

A very good soup

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 lb lean ground beef
• 1 1⁄3 cups  grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 1⁄2 cup  fresh breadcrumb, made from crustless French bread
• 1  large egg
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 7 1⁄2 cups low sodium chicken broth, divided
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  large celery ribs, with tops chopped
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup orzo pasta
• 1  small escarole, coarsely torn

Directions

1. Blend beef, 1/3 cup cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper in medium bowl. Using moistened hands, shape meat mixture into 3/4 inch meatballs.
2. Heat 1 1/2 cups broth and oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and simmer until firm enough to hold shape, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer meatballs to bowl. Boil broth until reduced to glaze, about 6 minutes. Add celery and onion to pot. Stir until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add remaining 6 cups broth, pasta and meatballs with any juices. Reduce heat. Simmer until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. Add escarole and simmer until wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls. Serve with remaining 1 cup cheese.
3. ** I make my pasta seperate and add to the individual soup bowls later. I like my pasta al dente.