Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Minestrone with Turkey Meatballs


Meatballs:
12 ounces ground turkey
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons minced parsley
1 tablespoon water 

For the soup:
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 medium sized zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/4 inch thick
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled
6 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced (optional)
3/4 cup canned crushed tomatoes
6 cups canned chicken broth or homemade
8 ounces green beans, cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths
4 ounces spaghetti, broken into 3-inch lengths
1 can (10 1/2ounce) cannellini beans or other small white beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons minced parsley
  1. For the meatballs:  In a medium size bowl, combine the turkey, cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley and water.  Shape into walnut size meatballs and set aside.
  2. For the soup: Heat the oil for 1 minute in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over low heat.
  3. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute, then add the zucchini and rosemary and sauté, stirring occasionally, until crisp tender-about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the mushrooms (if using), cover and cook for about 7 minutes or until tender.  
  5. Stir in the tomatoes and stock and bring to a boil over high heat.  Add the green beans and spaghetti, cover, and boil for 10 minutes.
  6. Add the meatballs and white beans, lower the heat, cover, and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and the beans are hot-about 4 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle with the parsley and ladle into bowls.  Serve with Parmesan cheese.   About 6 servings.