Meatball soup

Meatball Soup – An Explosion of Flavors and Good Taste

Meatball soup is a traditional dish that has brought joy and comfort to many households. Its comforting aroma and savory texture make this soup an ideal meal on cool days or when you need a touch of warmth and love. Whether you enjoy it with family or friends, meatball soup is a delight that should not be missed.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious soup, you will need:

- 600 grams of lean ground meat (pork, beef, or a mix, according to preference)
- 2 onions (1 for the soup and 1 for the meatballs)
- 6 tablespoons of rice (3 for the meatballs and 3 for the soup)
- 2 eggs (1 for the meatballs, 1 to add creaminess to the soup)
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 3 carrots (for a sweet taste)
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red for a splash of color)
- 1 parsnip (to deepen the flavors)
- 1 small celery root (for an unmistakable aroma)
- 1 parsley root (for an extra touch of freshness)
- 1 large tomato (for a fresh and tangy taste)
- 200 grams of sour cream (with at least 20% fat)
- Herbs (parsley, dill, lovage – your personal choice)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: vinegar, lemon juice, or borscht to sour the soup

Preparation

1. Preparing the vegetables
Start by peeling and thoroughly washing all the vegetables: carrots, bell pepper, parsnip, celery, parsley, and onion. Cut them into evenly sized cubes so they cook uniformly. It’s important that the vegetables are fresh, as they will significantly contribute to the soup’s flavor.

2. Boiling the soup base
Place the chopped vegetables in a large pot and add 4 liters of cold water. Set the pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil. This will be the base of your soup, and the vegetables will release their flavors into the water.

3. Preparing the rice
In a separate pot, bring 500 ml of water to a boil. When the water is boiling, add 3 tablespoons of rice (reserving the rest for the soup) and blanch it for 2 minutes. Once drained, rinse the rice under cold running water to stop the cooking process. This step will help maintain the rice's texture.

4. Making the meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, blanched rice, one of the egg whites (reserve the yolk for later), finely chopped onion, finely chopped fresh parsley, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Form small meatballs according to your preference.

5. Adding ingredients to the pot
When the vegetables in the pot start to boil, add the reserved 3 tablespoons of rice. Then, carefully add the formed meatballs. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is when the wonderful aroma will begin to fill the kitchen.

6. Finalizing the soup
Once the meatballs are cooked, add the peeled and diced tomato. This will add a fresh taste and a hint of acidity. Let the soup boil for another 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat. Add the chopped herbs (dill, parsley, lovage) to enhance the flavor and give a fresh appearance.

7. Preparing the sour cream
In a separate bowl, whisk the sour cream with the egg yolk and the 2 tablespoons of cold water. This combination will make the soup creamier. Dilute the mixture with a ladle of hot soup, then pour it into the pot. Now, the soup is ready to be tasted. Adjust the flavor with salt, pepper, and, if desired, a bit of vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy note.

8. Serving
Meatball soup is served hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top and possibly a slice of fresh bread on the side. Enjoy your meal!

Useful tips

- Use quality ground meat to achieve juicy meatballs. You can experiment with meat blends to find the perfect combination for your taste.
- If you want to diversify this recipe, you can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans. Additionally, you can substitute rice with quinoa or couscous for a healthier option.
- Meatball soup can also be served with a splash of hot pepper if you enjoy spicy food.
- A perfect pairing suggestion would be fresh lemonade or fruit compote to complement the meal.

Nutritional information

This meatball soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Beef or pork provides essential proteins, while the vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals. The sour cream adds a creamy note, but it is important to consume it in moderation, considering its fat content. Additionally, a serving of soup contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef or pork?
Yes, chicken is a lighter alternative and can add a different flavor to your soup.

2. How can I make the soup more tangy?
By adding more vinegar or lemon juice, you can adjust the flavor to suit your preferences.

3. Is meatball soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, meatball soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to add the sour cream only when serving to preserve its texture.

4. Can I substitute the rice in the recipe?
Sure, you can use quinoa or even bulgur for a healthy, nutrient-packed alternative.

Meatball soup is not just a dish; it’s a family story, a recipe that brings together loved ones and beautiful memories. Enjoy this recipe with your dear ones and savor every bite!