Chicken meatball soup

Chicken meatball soup is a traditional dish that reminds us of family Sunday meals. It is a simple recipe, full of flavors and health, combining fresh vegetables with juicy meatballs. Cooked with love and patience, meatball soup not only nourishes the body but also the soul. So, let's embark on this culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

- 3 medium carrots
- 1/2 celery
- 1 kohlrabi
- 1 tomato
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage (or 2 tablespoons of dried lovage)
- Salt, to taste
- The juice and pulp of 1 lemon (or cabbage juice, borscht, vinegar)
- 50 ml oil

For the meatballs:

- 500 g ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 200 g long-grain rice (dry)
- 1 white onion
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling and washing all the vegetables. Cut them into small pieces for even cooking. You can grate the carrot, and finely chop the onion to sauté it faster. In a large pot, add the 50 ml of oil and sauté the carrot and onion over medium heat until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Adding the vegetables to the soup: Once the onion is translucent, add the other vegetables (celery, kohlrabi, tomato, and bell pepper) to the pot. Pour in enough water to cover the vegetables and let it boil. At this point, also add the chopped fresh lovage (or dried) and salt to taste. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes.

3. Preparing the meatballs: While the vegetables are boiling, you can prepare the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, rice, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, and flour. Mix the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

4. Forming the meatballs: With wet hands, form small balls from the meat mixture, about the size of a walnut. These will be your delicious meatballs.

5. Adding the meatballs to the soup: After the vegetables have boiled for about 15 minutes, add the meatballs to the pot, one by one, being careful not to overcrowd them. Let them boil for 15-20 minutes on low heat, until they rise to the surface and become fluffy.

6. Sour the soup: When the meatballs are ready, add the lemon juice, cabbage juice, borscht, or vinegar, to taste. This will give the soup a tangy flavor, which is highly appreciated. Let the soup boil for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.

7. Serving: The soup is served hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top, alongside hot peppers and chopped fresh parsley. It is a perfect combination that adds a fresh and invigorating note to the dish.

Helpful tips:

- Ingredients: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for an authentic taste. You can replace chicken with beef or pork, depending on your preferences. If you want to reduce the caloric content, you can use ground turkey.

- Vegetarian option: Meatball soup can also be adapted for vegetarians. Replace the meat with a combination of vegetables and tofu or with rice and mushrooms to achieve a similar texture.

- Storing the soup: The soup can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days or can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing.

Nutritional benefits:
Meatball soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables and meat. A serving of soup provides about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a light yet nourishing meal, perfect for a chilly day.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use brown rice? Yes, brown rice is a healthy option and adds extra fiber to your soup.

2. What other spices can I add? You can experiment with thyme, dill, or even basil to add an interesting flavor.

3. How can I make the soup spicier? Add fresh hot peppers or chili flakes during preparation for a spicier taste.

Serving suggestions:
Meatball soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of fresh bread or an olive dish. Additionally, a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade can perfectly complement the meal.

In conclusion, chicken meatball soup is a dish that will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring warmth to your soul and those you love. Whether you prepare it for a family meal or to treat yourself, this recipe will surely become a favorite!