Meatball soup

Meatball soup – a traditional, comforting recipe full of flavors, perfect for chilly days or when you need a hearty meal. This soup is not only delicious but also an excellent source of nutrients, thanks to the fresh vegetables and meat. With a mix of textures and flavors, meatball soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.

The total preparation time is 1 hour, and this recipe yields about 6 servings.

Necessary ingredients:

For the soup:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 parsley root, diced
- 1 small celery, diced
- 1-2 liters of water (depending on the desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1-2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice (to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (dill and parsley) for serving

For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced meat (a mix of pork and beef is ideal)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon rice
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, to bind the mixture)
- Fresh dill and parsley, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste

Preparing the meatball soup – Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by thoroughly washing all the vegetables. Chop the onion, bell pepper, carrots, parsley root, and celery into small cubes. The more evenly they are chopped, the more uniformly they will cook.

2. Boiling the vegetables:
In a 3.5-liter pot, add about 1-2 liters of water, depending on how thick you want the soup. Bring the onion, bell pepper, carrots, parsley root, and celery to a boil. Let them simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until they become slightly soft.

3. Preparing the meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, onion, rice, egg, flour (if using), and finely chopped herbs (dill and parsley). Add salt to taste and mix everything well with your hands until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. It is important not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

4. Forming the meatballs:
Wet your hands with a little water and take a portion of the mixture, about the size of a walnut, and form small balls. Place them on a plate until you finish shaping all the meatballs. This trick with wet hands helps prevent the mixture from sticking.

5. Boiling the meatballs:
After the vegetables have boiled for 15 minutes, carefully add the meatballs to the pot, being careful not to break them. Let them simmer for 40 minutes over medium heat. It is essential not to boil too quickly, allowing the meatballs to cook evenly.

6. Finalizing the soup:
When the meatballs are almost done, add a tablespoon of tomato paste, a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, and salt to taste. This will give the soup a pleasant acidity, balancing the flavors. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat.

7. Serving the soup:
Meatball soup is served hot, sprinkled with fresh herbs (dill and parsley) and, if desired, with a spoonful of sour cream. This will add a creamy touch and perfectly complement the flavor.

Practical tip:
If you want to enhance the soup, you can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or potato, depending on your preferences. Additionally, for a more intense flavor, you can add 1-2 bay leaves at the beginning of the boiling process.

Nutritional benefits:
Meatball soup is an excellent source of protein from meat, vitamins, and minerals from vegetables. A serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used, making it a suitable choice for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken meat for the meatballs?
Yes, chicken meat is a lighter and healthier alternative. Make sure it is well minced to achieve juicy meatballs.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
If you like spicy food, you can add a chopped chili pepper or a little cayenne pepper during the soup preparation.

3. What are the best side dish combinations?
This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or polenta, adding a touch of tradition and flavor.

4. What drinks pair well with meatball soup?
A refreshing drink or a glass of light white wine would be excellent options to accompany this soup.

Meatball soup is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and add a personal touch, making it your favorite soup!