Fish meatball soup

Fish meatball soup is a traditional dish, full of flavors and health, perfectly blending the delicate taste of fish with the freshness of vegetables. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia to every spoonful. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the soup:
- 1 medium onion
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 medium parsnip
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons rice (preferably long-grain)
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 liter borscht (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Delikat (or other preferred seasoning)
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- 1 bunch fresh lovage
- Oil for sautéing

For the meatballs:
- 300 g catfish (or other white fish)
- 100 g pangasius (or other fish with a similar texture)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons rice (half-cooked)
- 2 sprigs parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Delikat
- Pepper to taste
- 2 eggs

Preparation

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by chopping the onion, carrot, parsnip, and bell pepper. It is crucial to chop them finely so they soften evenly and integrate well into the soup.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion over medium heat, stirring frequently until it becomes translucent. Then, add the carrot and parsnip, allowing them to sauté together for 2-3 minutes. Add the bell pepper and sauté for a few more minutes.

3. Boiling the vegetables: Once the vegetables have softened, pour in warm water (about 1.5 liters). Let it simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes.

4. Preparing the meatballs: Meanwhile, prepare the meatballs. Use an immersion blender to grind the fish (catfish and pangasius) together with the finely chopped onion. Add the cooked rice, parsley, Delikat, and pepper. Mix the composition well, adding a few drops of water to achieve a slightly moist texture.

5. Forming the meatballs: Beat the 2 eggs with a pinch of salt and 2-3 tablespoons of water. Using a spatula, take a portion of the meatball mixture and dip it into the beaten eggs. This method, which I learned from my aunt, is the secret to making tender and well-bound meatballs. Continue forming the meatballs until you finish the mixture.

6. Adding the meatballs to the soup: When the vegetables are nearly cooked, add the 2 tablespoons of uncooked rice, then, using a slotted spoon, add the meatballs drained from the beaten eggs. They will rise to the surface when cooked.

7. Adding the tomatoes and borscht: Once the meatballs have floated to the top, add the finely chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Let it boil for 10 minutes. Finally, pour in the borscht and adjust the taste with Delikat, as desired.

8. Finishing the soup: After all the ingredients are well cooked, turn off the heat and add the finely chopped parsley and lovage for an extra flavor boost.

Serving

Fish meatball soup is served hot, ideally alongside a slice of fresh bread, a drizzle of sour cream, or even with a hot pepper for the adventurous!

Practical tips

- Fish selection: Choose fresh or quality frozen fish, preferably a white fish with tender meat, such as catfish or pangasius. These types of fish combine perfectly in meatballs and provide a pleasant texture.
- Vegetable variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to give your recipe a personal twist.
- Borscht: If you don’t have borscht, you can substitute it with lemon juice or vinegar to achieve a tangy flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Fish meatball soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have numerous heart health benefits. Additionally, the vegetables in the soup provide fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
- Sure! Fish meatball soup can also be made with chicken or turkey meat, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store the soup?
- You can store the soup in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It is also suitable for freezing, but it is recommended to add the borscht after thawing.

3. What side dish pairs best?
- A slice of fresh bread or croutons are ideal side dishes to complement this delicious soup.

Conclusion

Fish meatball soup is not just a simple recipe but a flavorful dish that can bring joy to your table. Whether served for lunch or dinner, this soup will surely be appreciated by all your loved ones. Experiment with the ingredients and personalize the recipe to suit your culinary style! I invite you to share your impressions of this recipe and explore more delicious combinations. Enjoy your meal!