Meatball soup

Meatball soup is a classic Romanian dish that brings a taste of home and comfort in every bowl. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for days when you want to enjoy a warm, flavorful meal. Below, I will present step by step how to prepare meatball soup, so you can achieve a perfect, flavorful result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients for meatballs:
- 600 g minced meat (preferably a mix of pork and beef for a richer taste)
- 3-4 tablespoons rice (uncooked, will absorb the soup's juice)
- 1 egg (to bind the mixture)
- 1 packet of Delikat (or to taste)

Ingredients for the soup:
- 1 large carrot (adds sweetness and color)
- 2 medium onions (will add flavor)
- 1 red bell pepper (for extra flavor)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (optional, but enhances the taste)
- 2 ripe tomatoes (or 200 g canned tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (to intensify the flavor)
- Fresh parsley and lovage (for a fresh taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 and a half tablespoons Maggi bors (or 250 ml bors)

Preparation instructions:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing and peeling the vegetables. Cut the carrot, onion, and peppers into small cubes. If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them to make peeling easier, then dice them.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the carrot and peppers and sauté together for another 5 minutes. This technique will help release the flavors of the vegetables.

3. Boiling the soup: Add water to the pot (about 2 liters) and bring everything to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Preparing the meatballs: Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix the minced meat with the rice, egg, and packet of Delikat. Form meatballs the size of a golf ball. Make sure to shape them well so they don’t fall apart while cooking.

5. Cooking the meatballs: Once the soup has started boiling, carefully add the meatballs to the broth. Let them cook for about 20-25 minutes until they become fluffy and cooked through.

6. Finalizing the soup: Finally, add the bors, finely chopped parsley, and lovage. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, then taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Serving suggestions: Serve the meatball soup hot, sprinkled with a bit of fresh parsley on top. You can accompany it with a slice of fresh bread or polenta for extra flavor.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, and also add vegetables like celery or zucchini to enrich the taste. You can also replace the rice with quinoa or bulgur for a healthier option.

Meatball soup is a versatile and nutritious dish, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this traditional recipe and savor every flavorful spoonful!