Meatball soup

Sour Meatball Soup - A Classic and Comforting Recipe

Who doesn't love a steaming bowl of sour meatball soup, full of flavors and with a silky texture? This recipe is not just a simple dish, but a culinary tradition that has brought families and friends together over the years. Preparing sour meatball soup is an art, but also a science, and I am here to guide you step by step in this culinary adventure.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients

To prepare a delicious sour meatball soup, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 chicken breast (approximately 500g)
- 1 egg
- 2 carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2-3 green onions
- 1 cup of rice (approximately 150g)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (or tomato purée)
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil
- 1 large potato
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 0.5 l sour soup (or to taste)

About the Ingredients

Chicken breast is ideal for this recipe due to its consistency and ease of preparation. Rice, when cooked, adds a pleasant texture and helps bind the meatballs. Carrots and bell peppers are not only tasty but also rich in vitamins, adding a splash of color and nutrition. The sour soup, an essential component, provides acidity and a refreshing taste, making this dish perfect for cool days.

Preparing the Sour Meatball Soup - Step by Step

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing and peeling the vegetables. Slice the carrots into thin rounds and cube the potato. Cut the bell peppers into cubes and slice the onions into rings.

2. Cooking the base: Bring 3 liters of water to a boil in a large pot, adding a pinch of salt. When the water starts to boil, add the oil, carrots, bell peppers, potato, and onion. Let the vegetables simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until they become slightly soft.

3. Preparing the rice: While the vegetables are boiling, rinse the rice under cold running water to remove excess starch. This step is essential to achieve non-sticky rice.

4. Preparing the meatballs: Chop the chicken breast together with one carrot and a bit of parsley. Place the mixture in a bowl and add the egg, salt, pepper, thyme, and a pinch of sweet paprika. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Wet your hands with water to form evenly sized meatballs.

5. Cooking the meatballs: In another pot, bring the sour soup to a boil. It is important to skim it to avoid impurities. When the sour soup starts to boil, carefully add the meatballs one by one. Let them boil for about 20 minutes until they are fully cooked.

6. Finalizing the soup: After the vegetables and rice in the initial pot have boiled, add the tomato paste and sour soup along with the meatballs. Adjust the taste with salt, pepper, and thyme to your liking. Let it boil for another 5-10 minutes to combine the flavors.

7. Serving: Before turning off the heat, add the chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and flavor. Sour meatball soup is delicious served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or, for a special experience, with a spoonful of sour cream.

Helpful Tips

- Variations: If you want to try a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken breast with finely chopped mushrooms or vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like marjoram or tarragon to add a different taste to the soup.
- Flavors: For a more intense flavor, you can add a few bay leaves at the beginning of the vegetable boiling.

Nutritional Benefits

Sour meatball soup is a healthy option, rich in protein due to the chicken and egg, and packed with vitamins from the vegetables. One serving (approximately 300g) provides about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used, making it an excellent choice for a light and nutritious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can use pork or beef, but the cooking time will vary.

2. How can I store leftovers?
The soup keeps well in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave.

3. Is sour meatball soup better the next day?
Yes, the flavors intensify, and the soup becomes even tastier.

Serving Ideas

Sour meatball soup pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or pickles, bringing a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors. Additionally, a refreshing drink, such as fruit compote or natural juice, can perfectly complement the meal.

Sour meatball soup is not just a recipe, but a culinary experience that brings comfort and warmth to every bowl. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy every bite!