Meatball soup

Meatball Soup with Beef Shank - A Comforting Recipe for the Soul

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Meatball soup is one of those dishes that not only nourishes the body but also the soul. Its comforting aroma and rich flavor are cherished memories of childhood for many of us. This recipe is perfect for chilly days or for moments when you need a touch of warmth and comfort. Once you learn how to make it, you'll want to cook it again and again.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Meatball Soup

- 500 g mixed ground meat (preferably beef and pork for a richer flavor)
- 1-2 slices of beef shank (approx. 300 g)
- 2 medium onions
- 2 large carrots
- 1 small celery root
- 1 parsley root
- 1 parsnip
- 3-4 tomatoes
- 1 egg
- 750 ml sour rye soup (or more, depending on your preference for sourness)
- A handful of fresh parsley and lovage
- Salt and pepper to taste

Helpful Tips for Ingredients

- Ground meat: You can use equal parts of beef and pork for a balanced texture and flavor. Make sure to choose fresh, quality meat.
- Beef shank: This will add extra flavor to your soup. If you don't have shank, you can use beef with bone, which will release gelatin and make the soup heartier.
- Vegetables: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for a more vibrant taste. You can also experiment with other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Sour rye soup: Sour rye soup is ideal for adding a tangy note, but you can adjust the amount based on how sour you prefer the dish.

Step-by-Step Preparation of the Soup

1. Boiling the shank: Start by washing the slices of beef shank well. Place them in a large pot with 2 liters of cold water and bring to a boil. Wait for the foam to form and remove it with a skimmer to achieve a clear broth. This is an essential technique for ensuring a clear and tasty soup.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel and chop the vegetables. The onion, carrots, celery, parsley root, and parsnip should be diced into small cubes for even cooking. Add the chopped onion to the pot with the boiled shank and let it simmer together for 30 minutes. This will bring deep and delicious flavors to the soup.

3. Adding the tomatoes: Blanch the tomatoes to remove the skin, then dice them. After the 30 minutes have passed, add the tomatoes to the pot and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. You'll notice how the soup begins to take on a vibrant color and a tempting aroma.

4. Preparing the sour rye soup: In a separate pot, boil the sour rye soup for a few minutes, then add it to the soup. If necessary, you can add hot water to adjust the consistency.

5. Forming the meatballs: In a bowl, mix the ground meat with a finely chopped onion, the beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Use wet hands to form small meatballs. These will add a pleasant texture to the soup.

6. Cooking the meatballs: Add the meatballs to the soup, being careful not to overcrowd them. When they rise to the surface, it's an indication that they are cooked. Finally, adjust the taste with salt and pepper.

7. Finishing the soup: Once the flavor is to your liking, turn off the heat and add the finely chopped parsley and lovage. These herbs will add a touch of freshness to your soup.

Serving and Variations

After letting the soup rest for 10 minutes covered with a lid, it's time to serve. You can accompany it with a slice of fresh bread or polenta. These will perfectly complement the delicious flavor of the meatball soup.

Serving suggestions: Add a spoonful of sour cream on top for extra creaminess or sprinkle a bit of hot pepper for a spicier taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can use ground chicken, but the flavor will be different. The soup will be lighter but just as delicious.

2. How can I adjust the acidity level of the soup?
If the soup is too sour, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the taste.

3. Can I prepare the soup a day in advance?
Absolutely! Meatball soup tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a day.

Nutritional Benefits

This soup is an excellent source of protein due to the meat and egg, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and fiber. Additionally, sour rye soup improves digestion and may have beneficial effects on gut health.

Calories

A serving of meatball soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of meat and vegetables used. It is a nourishing and satisfying meal, perfect for a family dinner.

Share the meatball soup with your loved ones and enjoy the moments spent together! This is not just a meal, but an experience, a family story passed down from generation to generation. Enjoy your meal!