Hearty Italian Meatball Stew

Ingredients (24)

• FOR THE MEATBALLS:
• 1/4-1/2 cup milk
• 2-3 slices bread (crust removed)
• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• FOR THE STEW MIXTURE:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 shallot or small onion chopped
• 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 medium potatoes (cubed medium/large)
• 2 medium carrots (chopped)
• 2 1/4 cups tomato puree
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 dashes black pepper or hot pepper flakes
• 1/2-1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced