Coconut Ardelean Meatball Soup

Meatball soup with peppers and lovage is a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for any season, but especially for cool days. This soup brings a touch of warmth and joy to any meal, and the addition of chopped peppers and lovage vinegar gives it a unique, vibrant flavor. Here’s how you can prepare it step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 700 g ground chicken (or turkey)
- 3 tablespoons pepper paste
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons cooked rice
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the soup:
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 stalks of celery
- 1 large onion
- 1 parsley root
- 1 red pepper
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 3 liters of water
- 2 tablespoons lovage in vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Hot pepper, radishes (optional, for serving)

The story of the recipe

Meatball soup is a traditional dish, appreciated in many cultures for its comforting flavor. There are many variations, each bringing a touch of uniqueness depending on the available ingredients or personal preferences. In this recipe, we decided to add a twist by including peppers and lovage, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Step by step for a perfect soup

1. Preparing the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the pepper paste, chopped parsley, cooked rice, and green onion.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This step helps firm up the mixture, making it easier to shape.

2. Preparing the vegetables for the soup:
- Wash all the vegetables under cold running water.
- Cut the carrots, celery, onion, parsley root, and red pepper into small cubes. These will add a pleasant texture and important vitamins to your soup.

3. Sautéing the vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté them gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process will release the flavors and enhance the taste of the soup.

4. Boiling the soup base:
- Add the 3 liters of water to the pot and salt to taste. Let it simmer so that the vegetables soften slightly, about 10-15 minutes.

5. Shaping the meatballs:
- Remove the meatball mixture from the fridge. Wet your palms with a little oil and shape small meatballs about 3 cm in diameter.
- Make sure they are not too large, so they cook evenly.

6. Boiling the meatballs:
- Carefully add the meatballs to the pot with the soup. It’s important not to boil too hard to avoid deforming them.
- Cook them on low heat for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.

7. Acidifying the soup:
- After the meatballs are cooked, add the lovage in vinegar and season with pepper to taste. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and acidity as desired.

8. Enriching the soup:
- Finally, take a ladle of warm broth from the soup and dilute the sour cream. Add the mixture to the pot, stirring constantly to achieve a creamy texture and a richer flavor.

9. Serving:
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, hot peppers and radishes for an extra touch of freshness.

Useful tips

- Rice for meatballs: Pre-cooking the rice helps to even out the mixture and avoid clumping.
- Shaping the meatballs: Oil on your palms not only helps prevent sticking but also improves the texture of the meatballs.
- Adjusting acidity: Lovage in vinegar not only adds a pleasant taste but also balances the rich flavors of the soup.

Nutritional benefits

This soup is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken and rice, while the vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals. Additionally, lovage has antioxidant properties and aids digestion, making this dish not only a culinary delight but also a healthy choice.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with pork, beef, or even vegetarian ground meat for a meatless version.

- How can I make the soup spicy?
Add fresh chopped hot peppers during preparation or serve with chili flakes.

- What garnishes go best?
Meatball soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of fresh bread or croutons.

Variations

- Meatball soup with tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes or tomato paste during boiling for a richer flavor and vibrant color.
- Meatball soup with herbs: Try using dill or basil instead of lovage for a different aroma.

This meatball soup recipe with peppers and lovage is not just a simple dish but a culinary experience that blends tradition with innovation. We invite you to try it and enjoy every bite!