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minestra

(3 ratings)
Racy avatar
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Tracy Stephan
@Racy
gleason, WI

When you are in the mood for an easy to make soup that the whole family will love then you have to try this! This has been a family favorite for many years. From my family to yours I do hope you enjoy it!

Blue Ribbon Recipe

With a wonderful combination of intense flavors, this soup is a delicious one-pot meal. Can't find escarole? Spinach is a great substitution!

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(3 ratings)
yield 6 serving(s)
cook time 1 Hr
method Stove Top

Ingredients For minestra

  • SOUP BASE
  • 1 lb
    escarole, fresh
  • 6 qt
    chicken broth, non-fat
  • 3 lg
    carrots, chopped
  • 8 oz
    ditalini or tubetti or spaghetti broken into bite size pieces
  • parmigiano-reggiano, grated
  • FOR THE MEATBALLS
  • 1/2 lb
    ground beef
  • 1/2 lb
    ground veal
  • 2 lg
    eggs
  • 1/2 c
    finely minced onion
  • 1 c
    bread crumbs, seasoned
  • 1 c
    parmigiano-reggiano, grated
  • 1 tsp
    salt
  • pepper to taste

How To Make minestra

  • 1
    Trim the escarole and discard any bruised leaves. Cut off the stem ends. Separate the leaves and wash well in cool water, especially the center of the leaves where soil collects. Stack the leaves and cut them crosswise into 1-inch strips.
  • 2
    In a large pot, combine the escarole, broth and carrots. Bring to a simmer and cook until the escarole and carrots are almost tender, about 30 minutes.
  • 3
    meanwhile, mix together all of the meatball ingredients. Shape the mixture into tiny balls.
  • 4
    When the escarole is cooked, stir in the pasta and return the soup to a simmer. Drop the meatballs into the soup. Cook over low heat, stir gently until the meatballs and pasta are cooked. About 20-30 minutes.
  • 5
    Taste for seasoning and top off with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. A good hearty bread goes well with this too!
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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