Meatballs and Rice in Broth

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup orzo
1 cup white rice
2 quarts chicken stock or broth, divided
3/4 pound ground beef, pork and veal mix
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
A few grates of nutmeg
About 1/3 to 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large clove garlic, grated or pasted

1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 tablespoons EVOO- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 small head escarole, chopped

Yields: Serves 4 as entrée and 8 as starter

Preparation

In a saucepot with a tight-fitting lid, melt butter over medium heat. Add orzo and toast to deep golden in color and fragrant. Stir in rice, add about 2 cups of chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 18 minutes, until rice is just tender, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of water as needed if rice begins to stick.

Bring remaining 6 cups stock plus 2 cups water to a boil in a soup pot. Reduce heat to low, rolling simmer.

Season meat with salt and pepper; add ricotta, season with a little freshly grated nutmeg and add breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, grated cheese and EVOO; mix to combine. Use a small scoop to roll 24-30 walnut-sized balls. Add meatballs to broth and simmer 8-10 minutes. Wilt in greens and turn off heat; let stand 2 minutes and serve in shallow bowls.