With its steamy broth, hearty meatballs, and chunky vegetables, one would hardly know that this Italian soup is ready in under half an hour. So go ahead, tell your family/roommate/ husband/boyfriend/kids you slaved away all afternoon. Using pre-made meatballs, pre-made broth, and beans makes this a quick fix meal. Full of flavor, this soup is comforting and delicious. To make it for dinner tonight,

Italian Meatball Soup [1]
From Gourmet [2] magazine

1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup frozen chopped onions (about 6 oz)
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 celery rib, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
2 carrots, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
5 1/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (42 fl oz)
2 1/2 cups water
20 refrigerated or frozen precooked meatballs (15 to 20 ounces)
2 (14-oz) cans small white beans, drained and rinsed
1 (5- to 6-oz) bag baby spinach, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated for garnish

1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 5- to 6-quart pot over high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook onions, garlic, celery, and carrots, stirring occasionally, until onions are pale golden, about 4 minutes.
2. Stir in broth and water and bring to a boil, covered.
3. Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté meatballs (do not thaw if frozen), turning occasionally, until browned all over, about 3 minutes.
4. Add meatballs to soup along with beans and briskly simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and meatballs are heated through, about 15 minutes.
5. Stir in spinach, cheese, salt, and pepper and simmer, uncovered, until spinach is wilted, about 1 minute.

Serves 4.

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