Meatball soup

Soy Meatball Borscht - A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe

Discover the flavor of a reinterpreted traditional recipe that combines the inviting taste of borscht with soy meatballs. This recipe is not only an excellent choice for those looking to reduce meat consumption, but it also offers an explosion of flavors and nutritional benefits. Let's begin this culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 medium onions (one for the soup and one for the meatballs)
- 2 large carrots
- 1 small celery
- 4-5 medium potatoes
- 1 package of soybeans (approximately 300 g)
- 1 handful of rice (approximately 100 g)
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Dried thyme (to taste)
- Fresh dill (for a fresh and aromatic taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2-3 liters of borscht (or to preference)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by peeling all the vegetables. The onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes should be diced into small cubes for even cooking. It is important to have all the ingredients ready at hand to make the cooking process more efficient.

2. Boil the vegetables: In a large pot, add 6 liters of water and a few tablespoons of olive oil. Place the pot over medium heat and wait for it to reach boiling point. Once the water has started to boil, add the finely chopped or grated onion and let it boil for about 5 minutes. This will add a rich flavor and an excellent base for the soup.

3. Add the other vegetables: After 5 minutes, add the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Let it boil over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but not completely mashed.

4. Prepare the meatballs: In a separate bowl, place the boiled soybeans (it's important to boil them beforehand to improve their texture and eliminate the raw bean taste). Add the remaining grated onion, dried thyme, and fresh dill, then mix well. Gradually incorporate the flour to bind the ingredients.

5. Soak the rice: In another bowl, soak the rice in water for about 10 minutes. This step is essential to achieve a pleasant texture for the meatballs.

6. Finalizing the soup: After the vegetables have boiled, add the rice to the pot and stir. Let it boil for 10 minutes, then form the meatballs from the soy mixture and carefully add them to the soup. Let them boil together for another 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked and the flavors have combined perfectly.

7. Adding the borscht: Finally, add the borscht to the soup. This will give a sour and fresh taste, specific to traditional borscht. Let it boil for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

8. Serving: Once everything is cooked, take the pot off the heat. You can serve the borscht hot, sprinkled with fresh dill on top. This soy meatball borscht is delicious alongside a slice of fresh bread or with a portion of hot pepper if you like a bit of spice.

Useful tips:

- For a richer flavor: You can also add other spices, such as sweet paprika or cayenne pepper, to give a touch of heat.
- Variations: You can replace soy with other plant proteins, such as lentils or chickpeas, to create a different version of the meatballs.
- Serving: This borscht pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, offering a crunchy and refreshing contrast.

Nutritional benefits:

This borscht is an excellent source of fiber due to the vegetables and whole grains like rice. Additionally, soy is rich in plant proteins, essential for a balanced diet. This dish is not only filling but also a healthy choice for any meal.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other vegetables? Of course! You can add zucchini, eggplant, or any favorite vegetables you have on hand.
- How can I store the borscht? This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions to have on hand later.
- Is it vegan? Yes, this soy meatball borscht is 100% vegan, perfect for vegetarians and vegans.

If you have a passion for cooking and want to explore more delicious recipes, feel free to try other vegetable-based dishes or soups. Perhaps a mashed potato with herbs or a quinoa salad with fresh vegetables will inspire you to continue your culinary adventure!

Enjoy your meal!