Italian Meatball Soup

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb ground Beef
• 1/4 lb pork sausage
• 2 eggs - beaten
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese - binely grated
• 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon garlic - finely chopped
• 1teaspoon Italian Essence
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 pinches crushed red pepper
• Mix the above together and roll into small balls
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion - chopped
• 1/4 cup celery - chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 3 1/2 cup beef stock
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 cup ditalini or other small pasta
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves - chopped

Directions

1. In a 4 1/2 quart soup pot add 1 tablespoons olive oil.
2. Brown the meatballs (about 4 minutes).
3. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4. Add onion, celery, stirring until vegetables are soft.
5. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef stock and water.
6. Return the meatballs to the soup and bring to a boil.
7. Simmer for 30 minutes.
8. Using a spoon, carefully skim any fat that has accumulated on the top of the soup and discardAdd ditalini or other small pasta to the hot soup.
9. Stir well and cook for 15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through.
10. Stir in basil and serve garnished with grated parmesan cheese.