Meatball soup with sauerkraut juice

Sour Cabbage Meatball Soup – A Comforting Delicacy

If you are looking for a soup recipe that brings back memories of warm family meals from your childhood, then you've come to the right place! Sour cabbage meatball soup is a tasty dish, full of flavors and nutrients. This recipe will not only warm your soul but also connect you with culinary traditions.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients needed

- 500 ml sour cabbage juice
- 1.5 l water
- 500 ml tomato puree
- 1 onion
- 500 g minced pork
- 1 carrot
- 1 small root of horseradish or 1-2 tablespoons of hot horseradish paste
- 1 small egg
- 2-3 tablespoons of semolina
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Step by step for a perfect meatball soup

1. Preparing the soup base
Start by boiling the sour cabbage juice together with 1.5 liters of water and the whole onion (peeled but whole). It is important not to add salt at this step, as the cabbage juice is already salty. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat to combine the flavors perfectly.

2. Preparing the meatballs
In a large bowl, add the minced pork, egg, semolina, salt, and pepper to taste. It is essential to knead the mixture well so that the ingredients are homogenized. Form balls the size of a walnut. If you prefer smaller or larger meatballs, feel free to adjust the size.

3. Boiling the meatballs
When the cabbage juice and water reach a boiling point, carefully add the meatballs, covering the pot. Simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes. This process will allow the meatballs to cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the broth.

4. Adding the vegetables
Meanwhile, peel the carrot and grate it finely. In a skillet, add 1-2 tablespoons of oil and a pinch of salt, then sauté the grated carrot for 1-2 minutes. It is important not to let it soften too much but to keep its crunchy texture. Add the sautéed carrot to the soup when the meatballs are cooked.

5. Preparing the roux
Now we move on to the roux, an essential step for thickening the soup. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and add 2 tablespoons of flour. Stir constantly until the mixture turns blonde without burning. Add the tomato puree and mix well. When it thickens, dilute it with 2 ladles of soup and add it to the pot with the soup. Let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes.

6. Finalizing the soup
Once everything is well combined, turn off the heat and season the soup with salt to taste. If you like a spicier flavor, add the grated horseradish or horseradish paste, either directly into the soup or in the bowl when serving.

Serving suggestions

Sour cabbage meatball soup is served hot, ideally with a slice of fresh bread or polenta. A bottle of dry white wine can perfectly complement this dish, bringing an extra flavor to the meal.

Nutritional benefits

This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Cabbage juice is rich in probiotics, essential for digestion, while pork provides necessary proteins for the body. The carrot adds vitamins and a splash of color, and horseradish, besides its flavor, has anti-inflammatory properties.

Tips and variations

If you want to experiment, you can replace pork with beef or chicken, depending on your preferences. You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or celery, to enrich the soup's flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought cabbage juice?
Yes, you can use store-bought cabbage juice, but make sure it is of good quality and does not contain preservatives.

2. How long can I keep the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavor gets even better the next day.

3. Can I freeze the soup?
It is recommended to freeze only the soup without meatballs, as they may become mushy upon thawing.

4. What other recipes can I try with cabbage juice?
Besides meatball soup, you can use cabbage juice in dishes like stuffed cabbage rolls or stews to add a tangy flavor.

Sour cabbage meatball soup is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary experience that brings people together. So put on your apron and start cooking! Every bite will be an explosion of flavors that will bring you joy and comfort.