1/4cupParmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated, plus more for garnish
1largeegg
1/2cupdry breadcrumbs
1/2teaspoonnutmeg, grated
1teaspoonKosher salt, less if using fine salt
1/4teaspoonfreshly ground pepper
1/4cupwater
1 1/4lbsground pork
Soup:
2Tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
4cupschicken broth
13-by-1-by-1 inch piece of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, 3 inches long, 1 inch wide and 1 inch thick
1cupfrozen peas, thawed
2cupsbaby spinach
For serving
Warm cooked egg noodles
Shaved, crumbled Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
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Instructions
Start water boiling in a large pot for egg noodles.
In a large bowl, stir together the ricotta and 1/4 cup of grated Parmigiano. Add the egg, breadcrumbs, nutmeg, salt, pepper and water. Add the pork and stir to combine well. Form into 15-18 approx. two-inch diameter meatballs.
In a large pot (preferably non-stick), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook the bottom until well browned. Using a spoon, gently flip the meatballs over and brown that side well. Again, using a spoon, flip the meatballs on their sides and brown all sides to seal the meatball well. Pour in the broth and add the the piece of cheese. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer the broth very gently, stirring once or twice (so the Parmesan doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan), until the meatballs are cooked through and the broth is slightly reduced, about 15 minutes. Stir in the thawed peas and spinach. Taste, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until the peas are warmed through.
Meanwhile, cook egg noodles in boiling water per the package directions. Drain and keep warm.
Place some warm cooked egg noodles in the bottom of shallow bowls. Spoon the meatballs and broth over the egg noodles. Garnish with additional grated Parmigiano and serve.
Notes
As the meatballs are quite moist and soft, cooking them in a non-stick pan will make life easier. If you don't have a larger non-stick pot, you can cook them off in a non-stick skillet, then move them to a larger pot to finish cooking the soup. A non-stick skillet will give you extra room for flipping, as well.