Matzo Ball Minestrone

Ingredients

• 4 slices white bread, cubed
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
• 12 ounces chicken sausage, casing removed
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary needles, chopped
• 2 eggs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup schmaltz (rendered chicken fat)
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup matzo meal
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 gallon plus 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced carrot
• 1 cup diced celery
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 cups diced zucchini
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup soaked and cooked cannellini beans
• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 ounces fresh basil leaves
• 1 ounce pine nuts, toasted
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 bulb garlic, chopped
• 3 ounces extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 12 crostini, for serving