Meatball soup

Meatball Soup – a comforting and flavorful recipe

Meatball soup is a dish that brings a touch of warmth to every bowl, making it an excellent choice for moments when we crave a comforting meal. This recipe is simple and quick, perfect for days when time is limited but we still want to enjoy a delicious dish. Additionally, meatball soup is a perfect combination of fresh vegetables and meat, giving it a superb taste.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

For the soup:
- 1 large bell pepper
- 1 medium onion
- 3 carrots
- 1 zucchini
- 3 stalks of celery
- 200 ml tomato paste
- A bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 Knorr cube (or other concentrated soup)
- Pepper to taste
- 200 ml borscht (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of star-shaped pasta

For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced meat (pork, beef, or a mix)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of rice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- A bunch of fresh parsley, chopped

Preparing the soup:

1. Preparing the meatballs. In a large bowl, add the minced meat, eggs, rice, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix the ingredients well with a spoon or with your hands until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. This step is essential to ensure a pleasant texture for the meatballs.

2. Forming the meatballs. From the obtained mixture, form balls of about 2-3 cm in diameter. Make sure they are uniform in size so that they cook evenly in the soup.

3. Preparing the vegetables. Peel the carrots, celery, and zucchini, then slice them into rounds. Chop the bell pepper and onion finely. These vegetables will add a wonderful flavor and pleasant texture to the soup.

4. Boiling the vegetables. In a large pot, add water and bring it to a boil. Add the carrots and celery and let them boil for 5 minutes. Then, add the chopped onion and bell pepper, continuing to boil for another 5 minutes.

5. Adding the zucchini and seasonings. Place the sliced zucchini in the pot along with the Knorr cube and pepper to taste. These ingredients will add a subtle and delicious aroma to the soup.

6. Adding the tomato paste and pasta. After the vegetables are almost cooked, add the tomato paste and star-shaped pasta. Let it boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

7. Adding the meatballs. Carefully add the formed meatballs to the soup, allowing them to boil for about 10 minutes until fully cooked. Check if they are cooked by cutting one in half – it should be well-cooked and not have a pink color inside.

8. Finishing the soup. With 5 minutes before turning off the heat, add the borscht and chopped parsley, stirring gently. The borscht will provide a pleasant acidity that will balance the flavor of the soup.

9. Serving. The meatball soup is served hot in deep bowls, sprinkled with a little fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of color and flavor. It is delicious alongside a slice of fresh bread or warm polenta.

Chef's tip: If you desire a spicier soup, you can add a finely chopped chili pepper during the vegetable preparation. You can also replace the rice with quinoa for a healthier, protein-rich option.

Nutritional benefits: Meatball soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Fresh vegetables add fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion, while the minced meat provides essential nutrients for muscle health.

Possible variations: You can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables, such as potatoes or peas. You can also experiment with spices, adding paprika or herbs like basil or thyme to give it a distinct note.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use lean meat for the meatballs? Yes, turkey or chicken meat is an excellent option for a lighter version.

2. What can I do with leftover soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be reheated. You can also freeze it for later consumption.

3. Can I add other types of pasta? Of course! You can use small pasta, such as fusilli or penne, depending on your preferences.

4. How can I enhance the flavor of the soup? Adding a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar at the time of serving can intensify the flavors of the soup, giving it a fresh note.

This meatball soup is more than just a meal – it is a true culinary experience that will bring you closer to traditions and moments spent with loved ones. Savor every spoonful and enjoy the goodness of this simple yet flavorful recipe!