I needed to use a few veggies so I made a pot of what I'm calling Garden Meatball Soup. This is Italian Nonna food. Comforting and warm. Try it when the weather gets chilly wherever you are. If I wait for chilly weather I wouldn't get to eat soups till February so I just make them whenever and turn on a fan.
I served a steaming hot bowl tonight for dinner with a snowfall of freshly grated Parmesan on top. Here's my public service announcement for the day: please don't buy those green cans of powdered cheese bits. Get yourself the greatest kitchen gadget ever made and a wedge of Parmesan. Once you do this I promise you will never go back to "the can." Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Shelly's Garden Meatball Soup
1 cup Leeks, diced
1 yellow Onion, diced
2 green Onions, diced
4 cups Chicken Stock
2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Thyme
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 can Cannellini Beans, drained
1 cup Zucchini/Summer Squash, chopped
10 Turkey Meatballs, frozen
2 cups fresh Spinach
Freshly Grated Parmesan
Saute Leeks and Onions in Olive Oil till golden. Add Chicken Stock. Puree. Add Seasonings, Tomato Paste, Beans, Squash, Meatballs. Simmer 1/2 hour. Add spinach cook 10 minutes more. Serve with grated Parmesan sprinkled on top.
Don't skip pureeing the leek/onions & stock. It makes the soup have a great richness and body. If you don't have a handy dandy immersion blender. Carefully pour the soup into a regular blender (fill halfway) and whiz. Trust me this extra step is worth it.
I used Foster Farms Frozen Turkey Meatballs in the soup. If you aren't buying these you so need to. 3 meatballs = 18 grams of protein. See my review of these little balls of gold. They are my quick go-to dinner when I don't want to cook.
Highlights of the day:
* Today we had a staff meeting and after we were done with the business stuff my co-workers and I had a chance to chit chat about what's going on in our lives. I shared my fears and thoughts about plastic surgery. I was finally able to verbalize some of the stuff that has been in my head. It's nice to share with people that completely understand and have been there. One of these days I'll blog about it. I think it will be helpful for other post-ops. TY guys.
* Today at Trader Joe's I found a couple of new & cool high protein products. I will be trying and reviewing for you soon.
* I got a great email ;)
Listening to: "Over You" Chris Daughtry
