Meatball soup

Meatball Soup – A Healthy and Comforting Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Meatball soup is a traditional dish, full of flavor and comfort, perfect for chilly days or when you need something comforting. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, combining fresh vegetables with succulent meat. What makes this soup truly special is the combination of flavors that develops during cooking, as well as its versatility. Let’s see how we can prepare this delicacy step by step!

Ingredients:

- 300 g ground beef (you could also use pork or a combination)
- 1 egg
- 2 onions (one for the soup and one for the meatballs)
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 200 g green beans, cut into strips
- 1 potato, diced
- 2 slices of bread, soaked in milk (or water for a lighter version)
- 5 tablespoons rice (preferably long-grain)
- 1 tablespoon magic borscht (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried lovage (or fresh, if available)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

The History of Meatball Soup

Meatball soup is a dish that has found its place in many traditional kitchens, having deep roots in culinary culture. It is a meal that brings comfort and warmth, evoking pleasant childhood memories when grandmothers lovingly prepared soup for the whole family. This recipe combines simple yet nutrient-rich ingredients, providing a complete meal in a single bowl.

Step by Step: Preparing Meatball Soup

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing the vegetables well. Cut the potato into small cubes, the carrot into rounds, and the green beans into strips. Chop the onion finely, but if you want a milder flavor, you can cut one onion in half and add it whole to the soup, to be removed later.

2. Boiling the vegetables: In a large pot, add water (about 2 liters) and put it on medium heat. When the water starts to boil, add the potato, carrot, green beans, and chopped onion. Let the vegetables boil for 10-15 minutes.

3. Preparing the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the beaten egg, the other finely chopped onion (or strips of green onion), the drained bread slices, the rinsed and drained rice, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. If you like more flavorful meatballs, you can also add some herbs like dill or parsley.

4. Forming the meatballs: Wet your hands with water and take a tablespoon of the meat mixture, forming meatballs the size of a golf ball. Roll them lightly in flour to help them stay intact during boiling.

5. Adding the meatballs to the soup: When the vegetables are almost cooked, add the meatballs, one by one, to the pot. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring gently from time to time.

6. Finishing the soup: After the meatballs are well cooked, add the tomato paste and borscht. Let it boil for another 10-15 minutes for the flavors to blend. Finally, add the dried lovage (or fresh, if you prefer) and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

7. Serving: Meatball soup is served hot, with a slice of fresh bread on the side. You can add a spoonful of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.

Practical Tips for a Perfect Result:

- Meat: Choose quality beef for a richer taste. If you want to reduce fat, opt for turkey or chicken.

- Vegetables: You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to enrich the soup and give it varied texture.

- Spices: Play with the spices! A teaspoon of paprika or a bit of cumin can completely transform the soup's flavor.

- Vegetarian Option: If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with finely chopped mushrooms and add some tofu for protein.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice, but make sure to add it to the soup a little while before it is done, so it doesn’t break down too much.

2. How can I adapt the recipe for children?
You can reduce the amount of spices and use vegetables that kids prefer. You can also make smaller meatballs.

3. How long can the soup be stored?
The soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for later, but avoid freezing it with the meatballs in it, as they may become mushy.

Nutritional Benefits:

Meatball soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to its varied ingredients. Beef provides iron, while the vegetables bring an important supply of fiber and essential vitamins. A serving of soup can provide about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of ingredients used.

This meatball soup recipe is not just a meal, but also a culinary experience that will connect you with family traditions and pleasant moments spent around the table. Enjoy your meal!