Greek Wedding Soup

• servings: 4 servings
• active time: 50 minutes
• total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

1/2 lb ground beef

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tablespoons Progresso™ plain panko crispy bread crumbs

3 eggs

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ chicken broth

2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced

1/3 cup uncooked orzo or rosamarina pasta

3 cups baby spinach, coarsely chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Shredded Mizithra cheese, if desired

Directions

In large bowl, mix beef, feta cheese, bread crumbs, 1 of the eggs, the garlic, mint, salt and pepper; mix well. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 36).

In 4-quart saucepan, heat broth to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; stir in meatballs, carrots and orzo; simmer 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through and orzo is tender. Stir in spinach; return to simmering.

In bowl, beat remaining 2 eggs and lemon juice with whisk until frothy; slowly add 1 cup of the simmering stock, and beat to combine. Transfer back to saucepan. Cook and stir about 2 minutes or until thickened. Garnish with cheese.

To freeze: In large bowl, mix beef, feta cheese, bread crumbs, 1 of the eggs, the garlic, mint, salt and pepper; mix well. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 36). Place on parchment-lined cookie sheet in single layer, and freeze 30 to 45 minutes or until firm. Transfer frozen meatballs along with carrots and orzo to 1-quart resealable freezer plastic bag. Add spinach to another 1-quart resealable freezer plastic bag. Freeze both bags up to 3 months. When ready to serve: In 4-quart saucepan, heat broth to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; stir in frozen meatball mixture. Simmer 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through and orzo is tender. Stir in frozen spinach; return to simmering. In bowl, beat remaining 2 eggs and lemon juice with whisk until frothy; slowly add 1 cup of the simmering stock, and beat combine. Transfer back to saucepan. Cook and stir about 2 minutes or until thickened. Garnish with cheese.