Kittencal's Italian Wedding Soup

Ingredients

• 6 cups good quality chicken broth (see my Kittencal's 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 white salt
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. 1

   For the meatballs; in a bowl combine all ingredients together, using hands mix until well combined.

2. 2

   Shape into 3/4-inch balls.

3. 3

   Place onto a plate or refrigerate until ready to use.

4. 4

   Pour the chicken broth in a large saucepan then add in the black pepper; bring to a simmer over medium heat.

5. 5

   Drop in the meatballs, then stir in the escarole or spinach, lemon zest and uncooked orzo; return to a simmer.

6. 6

   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the orzo is tender.

7. 7

   OPTIONAL; at the end of cooking mix in 1/3 cup of parmesan cheese until heated through.

8. 8

   Season with salt if desired.

9. 9

   Ladle into bowl then sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese on top.