Rustic Meatball Noodle Soup

1. 1

   Combine all ingredients and refrigerate for at least an hour or until you're ready to make the soup, but do give it at least the hour.

2. 2

   Heat the oil in a large soup pot and add the onion, celery, carrot and garlic. Saute until the onion softens.

3. 3

   Add the crushed red pepper, the bay leaf and black pepper and give all a good stir. Add the chicken broth, bring up to a boil and then simmer for about 15 minutes.

4. 4

   While the soup is simmering, take the meat mixture out of the fridge and form small (about one inch) meatballs. Once the soup has simmered for its 15 minutes, start adding the meatballs a few at a time. You want the soup to remain at a steady simmer.

5. 5

   Once the meatballs have all been added, stir in the noodles, bring back up to the boil and then simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until the noodles are just done. Stir in the chopped parsley and season to taste with salt and pepper. For serving, garnish each bowl with a little Parmesan if desired.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.