Meatball Soup a la Motan

Meatball Soup a la Motan – A recipe that combines tradition with a touch of innovation

Meatball soup is one of those dishes that reminds us of Sunday family meals, the warm smell of soup simmering on the stove, and the moments when we gather together to enjoy a steaming bowl. In this version, which I have named "Meatball Soup a la Motan," I have added a personal twist that makes it truly special. This dish is not just a simple soup, but an explosion of flavors and textures, thanks to the carefully selected ingredients and cooking technique.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:
- 500g ground meat (a mix of pork and beef is ideal)
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, grated and drained
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon vegeta
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the soup:
- 300g smoked bacon, diced
- 100g smoked lard, sliced
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and grated
- 1 parsley root, peeled and chopped
- 1 small celery, diced
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- 200g green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4-5 tomatoes, peeled and diced
- 1L borscht
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage, chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meatballs: In a bowl, add the ground meat, drained grated onion, egg, chopped dill, vegeta, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until you have a homogeneous mixture. This mixture will give the meatballs a rich flavor and pleasant texture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up a bit.

2. Preparing the soup base: In a large pot, add the oil and sauté the bacon and smoked lard for 2-3 minutes. These will add a deep flavor to your soup. Add the onion, bell pepper, carrots, parsley root, and celery. Sauté everything together for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become slightly soft.

3. Adding water and vegetables: Pour 2-3 cups of water into the pot, then add the peas and diced potatoes. Let it boil for 10 minutes over medium heat.

4. Forming the meatballs: Meanwhile, take the meatball mixture out of the fridge. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and form small balls from the mixture. Place them on a plate.

5. Boiling the meatballs: When the vegetables in the soup are almost cooked, add the meatballs one by one. They will rise to the surface when they are done, which is a sign that they are cooked. Let them boil for 15-20 minutes.

6. Adding final ingredients: After the meatballs are cooked, add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and borscht. Let the soup boil for another 10 minutes, then add the chopped lovage, dill, and parsley. Adjust with salt and pepper and let it simmer for a few more minutes.

7. Serving: The soup is ready! Serve it warm, alongside sour cream, a slice of red onion or bell pepper, if you like. These add a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Practical tips:
- If you don't have borscht on hand, you can use lemon juice or vinegar to add acidity to the soup.
- Meatball Soup a la Motan can be prepared in advance and tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.
- You can experiment with various vegetables, adding zucchini or green beans for a different texture and taste.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add a bit of additional smoked meat, such as some pieces of smoked sausage.

Nutrition and calories:
This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is rich in protein due to the meat and meatballs, while the vegetables provide essential fiber for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken for the meatballs? Yes, but the texture will be different. Pork and beef provide a more intense flavor.
2. How can I make a thicker soup? You can add a potato puree to the soup or reduce the amount of water.
3. What can I do with leftover soup? Meatball soup keeps well in the refrigerator and can be reheated the next day. You can add more fresh vegetables to enhance its flavor.

This Meatball Soup a la Motan is not just a recipe, but a true culinary experience that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!