Beef meatball soup

Beef Meatball Soup: A Traditional Recipe Full of Warmth and Flavor

Beef meatball soup is a dish that combines the flavors of fresh vegetables with the tenderness of beef, resulting in a comforting meal, perfect for chilly days or moments when you need a dose of comfort food. This recipe will not only warm you up but will also bring a touch of nostalgia, reminding you of family Sunday dinners.

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

Ingredients:

- 2 liters of water
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 small celery, grated
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 parsnip, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of rice (preferably long-grain)
- 1 tablespoon of Magic borscht (or ½ liter of natural borscht)
- 1 bunch of parsley, finely chopped
- 2 chicken egg yolks
- 100 ml tomato juice
- 250 g ground beef
- 4 quail eggs
- a few sprigs of parsley and dill
- 1 heaping tablespoon of rice
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- a pinch of freshly ground pepper

Preparation:

1. Preparing the soup base
Start by bringing the water to a boil. Once it starts boiling, add the finely chopped onion, grated celery, carrot, and parsnip, as well as the diced peppers. These vegetables will add flavor and sweetness to your soup. Remember to skim the soup as needed to achieve a clear and tasty broth. Then add salt and oil, letting everything simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the meatballs
Meanwhile, it’s time to make the meatballs. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef well with the quail eggs (traditionally, a chicken egg white and a whole egg are used, but quail eggs provide a finer texture). Add the finely chopped parsley and dill, washed rice, salt, and pepper. Make sure the ingredients are well integrated. You can wet your hands to form the meatballs, making them easier to shape. Place them on a plate.

3. Adding the meatballs to the soup
After the vegetables have boiled for 30 minutes, reduce the heat to low and add the rice and formed meatballs. Let everything simmer together for about 20 minutes. Be careful: do not stir the soup too much, to avoid breaking the shape of the meatballs.

4. Final flavors
After 20 minutes, add the borscht (or Magic borscht) and the finely chopped parsley. Let it boil for another 5-10 minutes. This is when your soup will gain that beloved sour taste.

5. Finishing the soup
Beat the two egg yolks and gradually add soup from the pot, stirring continuously to temper the eggs and avoid coagulation. After a few seconds, pour the egg mixture into the pot, stirring well. This step will give a creamy texture and rich flavor. Let it boil for a few moments, then turn off the heat.

6. Serving
Beef meatball soup is delicious served hot, topped with sour cream and, if you like, with a hot pepper on the side for a bit of spice. You can also add croutons or fresh bread for an extra texture.

Practical tips:

- Choosing the meat: Opt for quality beef, preferably from a leaner cut, to achieve juicy meatballs.
- Vegetables: You can experiment with various vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, to add more nutrients and diversify the flavor.
- Spice variations: Try adding a bay leaf or a few peppercorns during boiling to intensify the flavors.
- More sour soup: If you like your soup more sour, you can add more borscht or tomato juice, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits:

This soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Beef provides iron, while the vegetables bring fiber and antioxidants. A serving of soup contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream added.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken for a lighter version, but the flavors will be different.
- How long can the soup be stored? The soup can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days or frozen for later use.
- How can I improve the consistency of the meatballs? If the meatballs are not holding together well, you can add a bit of breadcrumbs or cooked rice.

Serving suggestions:
This soup pairs perfectly with a fresh summer salad or warm polenta. Additionally, a cold drink, such as fruit compote or unsweetened herbal tea, will perfectly complement the meal.

I wish you much success in preparing this beef meatball soup! Every bite will be an explosion of flavors and an unforgettable culinary journey. Enjoy your meal!