Meatball Soup

Meatball Soup: A Nostalgic Delight with a Homey Flavor

Meatball soup is a dish that evokes memories of Sunday meals when the family gathers around the table, and the aroma of fresh vegetables and the taste of minced meat intertwine in a symphony of flavor. This recipe is not only nourishing but also comforting, with a long-standing tradition in our cuisine. Let’s discover together how to prepare a delicious meatball soup, step by step, with everything you need to know to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the soup:
- 1 medium celery root (approx. 200 g)
- 3 carrots
- 1-2 onions
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for added color)
- 1 zucchini (approx. 150 g)
- 500 g minced meat (pork or mixed – pork and beef)
- 100 g pasta (or 50 g rice, depending on preferences)
- 2-3 l borscht (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1-2 eggs (for the meatballs)
- 1 egg (to be beaten into the soup)
- Oil for sautéing

Nutritional information (per approximate serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
Start by washing and peeling the vegetables. You can cut them into small cubes or, for a rustic look, grate them on a large grater. The vegetables not only add flavor but also important nutritional value, so don’t neglect them! The onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper will be sautéed to intensify the flavors.

Step 2: Sautéing the vegetables
In a pan, add a few tablespoons of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the chopped carrots and celery. Let them sauté together for about 10 minutes. Add the bell pepper and zucchini at the end, just to soften a bit, considering we don’t want to lose their texture.

Step 3: Boiling the soup
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large pot, and add water (about 2-3 liters, depending on how thick you want the soup). Let everything boil over medium heat, covering the pot with a lid.

Step 4: Preparing the meatballs
Meanwhile, let’s start working on the meatballs. In a large bowl, mix the minced meat with 1-2 eggs, salt, and pepper. If the mixture is too soft and the meatballs fall apart, you can add a little flour, but don’t overdo it – we want them to remain juicy! Form medium-sized meatballs, being careful not to make them too large, so they cook evenly.

Step 5: Adding pasta and meatballs
Once the vegetables in the pot are cooked (about 15-20 minutes), you can add the pasta (or rice). Let it boil according to the package instructions. About 10 minutes before turning off the heat, add the meatballs to the soup. They will cook quickly and add flavor to the soup.

Step 6: Finalizing the soup
When the meatballs are cooked, add the borscht and tomato paste. These will give the soup a pleasant acidity and vibrant color. The last step is to beat an egg and add it to the soup, stirring gently to create a smooth texture. Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes and then turn off the heat.

Serving
Meatball soup is served hot, topped with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor. You can also add a slice of lemon for a refreshing taste. It pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or polenta, and for those who love spicy flavors, a dash of hot pepper can transform the soup into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Variations and suggestions
If you want to personalize the soup, you can also add other vegetables, such as potatoes or peas. You can also experiment with different types of minced meat: chicken, turkey, or even beef. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the pasta and replace it with quinoa or brown rice.

Useful tips
- Use fresh, quality meat for the meatballs for better flavor.
- Don’t forget to remove the foam that forms on the surface of the soup during boiling for a cleaner appearance and finer flavor.
- Meatball soup can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, and the taste gets even better the next day.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, it’s a convenient choice, but keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables will be different.

2. How can I make the soup more sour?
Add more borscht or lemon juice, depending on your preferences.

3. Can the meatballs be prepared in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and freeze them, then add them to the soup directly from the freezer.

With this recipe, I hope to bring to your table not just a delicious dish but also pleasant memories and unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!