Meatball soup

Meatball soup is one of those dishes that brings back childhood memories and fills our hearts with joy. Its enticing aromas and comforting texture make this dish a perfect choice for cool days or when we want to indulge in something delicious. This simple yet flavorful recipe will impress both you and your loved ones. So, let's get ready to discover together how to prepare a delicious meatball soup with chicken, pork, or beef.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Necessary ingredients:

- 3 medium onions
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 piece of celery (about 100 g)
- 1 small parsnip
- 1 bell pepper
- 200-300 g tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 400 g minced pork and beef (you can also use chicken)
- 1 egg
- 30 g rice (washed)
- 1/2 l cabbage juice
- Fresh dill or parsley (for decoration)
- 1-2 sprigs of lovage (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt to taste
- Oil for sautéing

The story behind the recipe:

Meatball soup is a traditional dish loved by many generations. Whether consumed with family at lunch or served on special occasions, this soup has the power to bring people together at the table. Its history is lost in the mists of time, but each household has its own version, adapted to the tastes and ingredients available.

Step by step - Cooking meatball soup:

1. Preparing the vegetables:
Start by finely chopping the 3 onions, carrots, celery, and parsnip. You can also use a food processor to save time. If you have frozen chopped bell peppers, now is the time to take them out and let them thaw.

2. Boiling the vegetables:
In a large pot, add the chopped vegetables, a splash of oil, and 2.5-3 liters of water. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil for 30-40 minutes. This time will help the vegetables release their flavors and create a delicious base for the soup.

3. Preparing the meatballs:
In the meantime, let's start working on the meatballs. In a large bowl, mix the minced pork and beef with the finely chopped onion, washed rice, egg, salt, thyme, sweet paprika, and fresh parsley. Use wet hands to form small meatballs, about 2-3 cm in diameter.

4. Adding the tomatoes:
Once the vegetables have boiled, add the tomatoes (if using canned tomatoes, crush them with a spoon). Let it boil for a few minutes until the flavors blend.

5. Adding the meatballs:
Carefully add the meatballs to the pot. You can do this with a spoon or with your hands, being careful not to break them. When the meatballs rise to the surface, it means they are almost done.

6. Finalizing the soup:
Add the cabbage juice and let it boil for another 30 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, add the fresh lovage, if using, and adjust the taste with salt if necessary. Turn off the heat and add the chopped parsley.

Serving:

Meatball soup is delicious served hot, alongside sour cream and pickled hot peppers. These perfectly complement the tangy taste of the soup. You can also add toasted bread croutons for a crunchy texture.

Practical tips:

- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables to achieve the best flavor.
- Meat: A combination of pork and beef provides a rich taste, but you can also experiment with chicken or turkey.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or potato, to make the soup heartier.
- Sugar: If the tomatoes are very acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the taste.

Frequently asked questions:

- How long can I keep the soup? Meatball soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Can I freeze the soup? Yes, it is an excellent recipe for freezing. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in airtight containers.
- What other dishes pair well with this soup? A light summer salad or warm polenta would be excellent accompaniments.

Conclusion:

Meatball soup is more than just a dish; it is a true hug in a bowl. Perfect for cool days or for gathering the family at the table, this recipe will surely bring a smile to your face. Try making it yourself and let its delicious aromas transport you!