Turkey's Minestrone

Minestrone (min eh stroh' nee)  is an Italian soup with pasta and/or beans.  There is no 'classic' version; the specific ingredients are left up to the Creator and the creator; whatever is in season or on-hand is what's in the recipe.The inspiration for this version is my Grandpa Tarquinio, whom everyone affectionately referred to as 'Turkey'.

My much-faded memory of him is of a smiling, gentle spirit with a twinkle in his eye, and nothing but love in his kind heart. Here he is with my Grandma Delfina and baby me! 
Turkey Meatballs
1 lb ground turkey
small jar of sundried tomatoes, diced into small pieces
2 tablespoons sour cream
1/4 cup (or more) panko bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
3-4 tablespoons dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground oregano
salt and pepper to season
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine all ingredients, stirring with a fork to make sure each is well distributed. Use a small scoop to measure, then roll into small turkey meatballs. Place on a cookie sheet, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm them up.
Bring at least 3 inches of water to a boil in a stock pot.  Submerge turkey meatballs in small batches until just cooked through.  Once they begin to float, they are usually done.  Do not overcook.
Soup and Serving Ingredients
1/2 pound of pancetta, cut into small chunks
1 cup yellow onion, diced
1 cup celery, diced
4 medium carrots, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 32 oz of chicken or turkey stock (I cheated here)
4 oven roasted tomatoes (I did not cheat here)
1 cup cooked pasta, such as ditalini or orzo
fresh mozzarella balls
In a large stockpot, saute the pancetta until crispy. Remove the cooked pancetta and reserve the oil. Add the diced onions to the oil, and cook for several minutes until they start to soften. Add the garlic, and saute for one minute. Then add the diced celery and sliced carrots. Pour in the chicken or turkey stock and simmer for approximately one hour.
To Serve:  Ladle the soup into a bowl. Add oven roasted tomatoes, pasta, turkey meatballs and mozzarella balls. Garnish with pancetta and sage.