Meatball and Bean Stew

A hearty soup that is high in protein and in flavor.  Keeps well in the fridge, so you can make a big batch on Sunday night and then enjoy during the week.  Serve with crusty bread to soak up all of the delicious broth.

 

Meatballs:
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 small Yellow Onion, minced
1 ½ tsp. Paprika
1 Pd. Ground Chuck
1 ½ tsp. Cumin
1 Tbsp. Cilantro, minced

1 Tbsp. Parsley, minced
1 Egg, beaten

Stew:
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
5 C. Beef Stock
16 oz. White Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
4 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 large Yellow Onion, chopped
1 C. frozen Spinach, chopped

Heat oil in large soup pot for meatballs. Saute onions. Let cool and mix all ingredients in large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Shape into 1 oz. balls. In the same pot, add meatballs and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside. Heat oil for stew. Add onions and garlic. Saute until translucent. Add stock and bring to low simmer, loosening any browned bits from the bottom. Add meatballs, beans and spinach. Cover and cook on low for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.



Moscow Mule

Heat up the grill and pour some cold drinks!  This is one of my favorite summertime beverages.  This drink has an unassuming visual quality about it, but truly does have a kick. I have never been a fan of sweet, fruity drinks and the mule has neither. Ginger beer doesn’t contain alcohol, but don’t confuse it with ginger ale. I like the Jamacian style. It has a spicy flavor to it that really pairs well with the vodka.

¼ C. Vodka
6 Tbsp. Ginger Beer
Lime slice

Rub the inside of a chilled glass with lime slice. Discard slice and fill glass with ice. Pour the vodka and ginger beer into the glass. Stir well.