Meatball soup

Meatball soup is a traditional dish, cherished by many generations, that combines the flavors of fresh vegetables with the tenderness of meatballs, creating a nourishing and comforting meal. This recipe is not just a simple soup; it is a culinary experience that brings together family and friends, offering not only a unique taste but also a story in every spoonful. Let us venture into the world of this delight!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients
- 300 g minced meat (pork, beef, or a mix)
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 slice of celery (about 50 g)
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 l of borscht
- 1 glass of tomato juice (about 250 ml)
- 50 g rice (about 3 tablespoons)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, lovage, celery leaves)
- 5 l water
- Oil for sautéing (optional)

Preparing the vegetables
1. Start by finely chopping the onion, carrot, celery, celery stalk, and red bell pepper. You can use a sharp knife or a food processor to save time.
2. In a large pot, add 5 liters of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, add the chopped vegetables. They will give a special flavor to the soup.

Helpful tip
If you want to intensify the flavors, you can sauté the vegetables in a pan with a little oil for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the water. This step is optional but will provide depth of flavor to the soup.

Preparing the meatballs
3. In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, egg, salt, and pepper to taste, as well as 50 g of rice. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
4. To form the meatballs, wet your hands with cold water to prevent sticking, then take a portion of the meat mixture and form small balls with a diameter of about 3 cm.

Tip for forming meatballs
To facilitate transferring the meatballs to the pot, you can wet the plate on which you place them. This way, the meatballs will easily detach when you add them to the soup.

Boiling the soup
5. After the vegetables have boiled for 15-20 minutes, add the formed meatballs and the remaining 50 g of rice. Cover the pot with a lid and let everything simmer on medium heat to avoid breaking the meatballs.
6. After 20 minutes, add the tomato juice and borscht, then adjust the salt to taste. Let the soup cook for another 10 minutes.

Personal note
Meatball soup is often served with a handful of freshly chopped herbs on top, which not only adds a pleasant appearance but also a unique aroma. I recommend using parsley, lovage, or celery leaves, depending on your preferences.

Serving
Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving. It is delicious both plain and with a spoonful of sour cream, and for those who enjoy spicy food, with a hot pepper on the side.

Nutritional benefits
This soup is not only tasty but also nutritious. The minced meat provides essential proteins, while the vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals. The rice completes the meal, bringing healthy carbohydrates. In total, a serving of meatball soup has about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the type of meat.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use chicken for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Chicken is an excellent option and will make the meatballs lighter.

2. How can I adapt the recipe to be vegetarian?
Replace the meat with a mix of finely chopped vegetables and rice or tofu. Adjust the spices to enhance the flavor.

3. What other vegetables can I add to the soup?
You can add zucchini, potatoes, or peas for varied texture and added nutrients.

Possible variations
- If you want an exotic touch, add spices like cumin or coriander to the meat mixture.
- Another interesting option is to replace the tomato juice with coconut milk for a creamier and more aromatic soup.

Meatball soup is a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for a family meal or to impress guests. I hope this recipe inspires you and brings you moments of joy in the kitchen. Enjoy your meal!