Polpette and Orzo in Broth

Name: Polpette and Orzo in Broth
Yield: makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 thick slice white bread; 1/2 cup milk; 6 cups beef, chicken, or vegetable stock, preferably homemade (page 160 or 162); 1 cup orzo, ditalini, or other small pasta; 1 pound ground sirloin or other good-quality beef; 1/2 cup minced onion; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan; 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley leaves; Salt and black pepper to taste; 3 medium carrots, julienned or shredded

December 14, 2011

Here, meatballs—usually called polpette, at least in Rome—are made with a load of fresh Parmesan, lightened with parsley, and served in a delicious broth, with just a bit of pasta. It’s filling soup but not overwhelming. Although you can assemble many of its components in advance—the meatballs, pasta, carrots—it’s best to do the actual cooking at the last minute. This soup will lose its light texture if allowed to sit with the meatballs and pasta in it for too long.

Recipe notes

Mango Sticky Rice

Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.

Popover-Topped Pot Pie

A lofty popover replaces pie crust in this vegetarian pot pie filled with potatoes, carrots, celery, peas, and asparagus.

Easy Egg Custard

With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.

Simple Hot Cocoa for One

With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Smoked Salmon Pasta With Capers and Dill

Cured fish, cream, and lemon make an elegant base for this unexpected one-pot pasta.

Spicy Honey Orange Shrimp (Xiang La Fengmi Xia)

A satisfying weeknight dinner from Tiffy Chen. Serve with rice or noodles.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.