Beef meatball soup

Beef Meatball Soup - Delicious and Comforting Recipe

How good does a steaming bowl of meatball soup make you feel on a chilly day! This recipe is not just a symbol of comfort, but also a culinary tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Preparing this soup is a true art that combines simple ingredients to create something truly special. I will provide you with a step-by-step guide that will help you achieve a perfect result, full of delicious flavors and textures.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients for meatballs:
- 750 g ground beef
- 1 handful of rice
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for the soup:
- 1 large onion (or 2 small)
- 1 carrot
- 1 tomato
- 3 tablespoons of homemade vegetable mix (can also be frozen)
- Approximately 500 ml of borscht (or to taste, depending on how sour you want it)
- 1 handful of rice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparing the soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the onion and carrot well. Cut them into small cubes. These vegetables will give a wonderful taste to your soup, enriching the flavor with every bite.

2. Boil the vegetables: Place the chopped onion and carrot in a large pot with water and let them boil. When the water starts to boil, add a handful of rice and the diced tomato, along with the 3 tablespoons of homemade vegetable mix. Let it boil for a few minutes, so the vegetables can release their flavors.

3. Preparing the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with a handful of rice, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper to taste. Use wet hands to form the meatballs. Make sure they are of uniform size for even cooking.

4. Adding the meatballs: When the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and carefully add the meatballs, one by one. This step is crucial, as the meatballs should not clump together or stick to each other.

5. Finishing the soup: Once the meatballs have risen to the surface, it's time to add the borscht. Taste and add salt as desired. Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. This time allows the flavors to develop and the meatballs to cook perfectly.

6. Serving: When the cooking time is up, turn off the heat, add the chopped fresh parsley, and cover the pot. Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving. This soup is delicious served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread.

Useful tips:
- Borscht: If you don't have borscht at home, you can use lemon juice or vinegar to add acidity to the soup. However, the taste will be slightly different, but just as delicious.
- Types of meat: You can experiment with pork or chicken, depending on your preferences. Each type of meat will add a different note to the soup.
- Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with chopped mushrooms and add various vegetables. Use rice and eggs for vegan meatballs, or you can use tofu.

Nutritional benefits:
Meatball soup is an excellent source of protein due to the meat and eggs, while the vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals. A serving of soup is filling but not too high in calories, making it a perfect choice for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- How long does the soup last in the fridge? The soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure it is well covered.
- Can I freeze the soup? Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it is recommended to add the borscht only after thawing to preserve the fresh flavor.
- What side dishes go well? The soup can be served with sour cream or hot peppers, depending on your preferences.

Suitable drinks: To complement the meal, you can choose a fruit compote or a hot tea, which will add a pleasant contrast to the sour taste of the soup.

Beef meatball soup is not just a dish, but a culinary experience that will bring a smile to your face. So gather your family around the table and enjoy a savory soup, full of warmth and goodness. Enjoy your meal!