- prepare all the veggies, wash, peel, chop - measure other ingredients - prepare your favorite meatballs or use store-bought ones - to a large stock pot add all the ingredients, but the meatballs - bring to boil, reduce the heat and simmer on low for 50 min
- simmer until the vegetables are cooked but tender - at this point you can add the cooked meatballs - if you do so, simmer everything for another 15 minutes - taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed - remove bay leaves before serving - serve hot garnished with fresh herbs
- with crusty bread - add grains for extra texture - with a side salad - garnish with fresh herbs - with a dollop of sour cream - drizzle with olive oil