Herbed Meatball Minestrone

Ingredients:
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 TBS Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 14 oz. can Italian stewed tomatoes
1 cup tomato juice
2 cups water
1 cup uncooked bowtie pasta
1/4 cup thinly sliced carrots
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp basil
1 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp coarsly ground black pepper
5 oz spinach leaves washed and chopped or 1/2 10 oz frozen package

Directions:
*In a small bowl combine sausage and bread crumbs and shape into 40 small balls.
*In large skillet, brown sausage balls and drain fat.
*In large pot add tomatoes, tomato juice, and water.
*Bring to a boil and add pasta. Cook covered until tender, about 12 minutes.
*Add carrots, salt, basil, onion, garlic, and pepper.
*Cook covered for 5 minutes until carrots are tender.
*Stir in spinach and cook for 1 minute and then add sausage and serve.

Source: Debbie Attaway (sister-in-law)

Submitted by: Jennifer Attaway