Italian Meatball Soup

This slow cooker wonder produces flavorful, firm meatballs in a delicious soup that works great for a chilly night’s dinner.
Ingredients:
2 slices high-quality white sandwich bread, torn into quarters
½ cup whole milk
1 pound meatloaf mix
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 large egg yolk
6 garlic cloves, minced
1
½ teaspoons minced fresh oregano or
½ teaspoon dried
Salt and pepper
1 onion, minced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces kale, stemmed and leaves sliced
¼ inch thick
6 ounces orzo (about 1 cup)
Directions:
1. Mash bread and milk into paste in large bowl using fork. Mix in
meatloaf mix, Parmesan, parsley, egg yolk, 3 garlic cloves, oregano, ¾
teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper using hands. Pinch off and roll
mixture into tablespoon-size meatballs (30 to 35 meatballs total).
2. Microwave meatballs on large plate until fat renders and meatballs
are firm, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour off fat and transfer meatballs to slow
cooker.
3. Microwave onion, remaining 3 garlic cloves, oil, and red pepper
flakes in bowl, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes;
transfer to slow cooker.
4. Add broth to slow cooker. Cover and cook until meatballs are tender, 4 to 6 hours on low.
5. Let soup settle for 5 minutes, then remove fat from surface using
large spoon. Stir in kale and orzo, cover, and cook on high until kale
and orzo are tender about 20 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper
to taste and serve with additional Parmesan and olive oil.