Meatball soup

Meatball soup is a classic dish, beloved for its traditions, that brings together the flavors of fresh vegetables and minced meat in a delightful dance of tastes. This recipe is not just a meal, but a warm embrace, perfect for chilly days or for moments when we want to enjoy the comfort of a nourishing soup. Let's discover together the secrets of meatball soup, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6 servings

Ingredients:

- 500 g minced meat (a delicious combination of pork and beef)
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 bell pepper
- 1/2 green bell pepper
- 1 large carrot
- 200 g canned tomatoes or tomato juice (preferably homemade)
- 1 small celery
- 3 tablespoons rice
- 1 egg
- 1 liter borscht
- 1 bunch of lovage
- 1/2 bunch of parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing the vegetables with cold water, then carefully peel them. Chop the onion, bell peppers, carrot, and celery into small cubes. This step will not only help the vegetables cook evenly but will also provide a pleasant texture to the soup.

2. Boiling the vegetables: Place the chopped vegetables in a large pot and add 3 liters of cold water. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the vegetables simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until they become slightly soft.

3. Preparing the meatballs: In a large bowl, add the minced meat, egg, half of the thyme, finely chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. You can also add extra spices like crushed garlic or paprika for more flavor. Mix the composition well with wet hands - this trick will help the meatballs hold together during cooking.

4. Forming the meatballs: Using wet hands, shape small meatballs (about 2-3 cm in diameter) and place them on a plate. These will add a delicious flavor to your soup and will blend perfectly with the vegetables.

5. Adding the meatballs and rice: Once the vegetables have partially boiled, carefully add the formed meatballs and rinsed rice. Make sure everything is well mixed, then cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.

6. Finalizing the soup: While the meatballs are cooking, boil the borscht separately in another pot. Once the meatballs are ready, add the boiled borscht to the soup pot and let it simmer for a few more minutes. This will add a pleasant acidity to the soup and enhance the flavors.

7. Seasoning and serving: Finally, turn off the heat and sprinkle finely chopped lovage. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary. Serve the meatball soup hot, alongside fresh bread or polenta, for a complete meal.

Practical tips:

- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables to achieve the best flavors. Homemade canned tomatoes add an authentic taste, but if you don't have them, store-bought tomato juice is a good alternative.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as turkey or chicken, for a lighter version. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or green beans for an extra nutrient boost.
- Storage: Meatball soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in airtight containers.

Nutritional benefits:

Meatball soup is an excellent source of protein due to the minced meat and rice. The vegetables add fiber and essential vitamins, making this dish not only tasty but also healthy. The borscht, being acidic, aids digestion and gives the soup a pleasant taste.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use different types of minced meat? Absolutely! You can use chicken, turkey, or even a combination of fish for a lighter version.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes to the meatball mixture for an extra kick.
- Is the soup suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using plant-based minced meat and vegetable borscht for a delicious vegan version.

Delicious pairings:

Meatball soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of fresh bread, warm polenta, or even crispy croutons. To complete the meal, you can serve a glass of white wine or freshly squeezed tomato juice, which will add a refreshing note.

Personal note: When making meatball soup, remember to enjoy every step of the process. Cooking is an art, and the final result is all the more satisfying the more you engage with it. You might want to add a personal touch, like a splash of sour cream when serving or a few sprigs of dill for a more appealing presentation. So, let your imagination run wild and enjoy every bowl of meatball soup!