Chinese Meatball Soup

This is an exceedingly light soup, with a pretty look and a very pleasant flavor. The tiny meatballs float in chicken stock alongside the silvery noodles and fluffy greens, and the only surprise is the discovery of crunchy water chestnuts when you bite down on a meatball. Preparations are quick and simple and will not daunt even a non-cook.

• If you can find them fresh, by all means add the long and slender enokitake mushrooms to the soup. They are a perfect foil