Meatballs:
1 cup cooked rice (maybe a little al dente)
3/4 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
Mix the above ingredients together in a large bowl. Wet hands with cold water Shape into walnut-sized or slightly larger meatballs.
The Soup:
~ 5-6 cups of water or any stock
~ 14 oz of crushed tomatoes or 1 tbsp tomato paste
If using water, 1/2 tsp salt
Boil 5-6 cups of water (or stock, or any combinati
on of the two) in pot such that it is full 2/3 of liquid. Add tomato, if desired. Season water with 1/2 tsp salt (no salt needed for broth). Bring to a rolling boil and drop in a few meatballs at a time, letting the water return to a boil between adding meatballs. Turn down heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add chopped fresh parsley and serve. Or better yet, refrigerate overnight, reheat on the stove, and then serve.