Meatball soup

Meatball Soup: A Warm Embrace from the Bowl

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Meatball soup is a classic, comforting dish that evokes memories of family meals, cool days, and moments spent with loved ones. This delicious recipe combines the rich flavors of vegetables with the tenderness of meatballs, making each serving a true celebration of taste. Let’s embark together on the preparation of this delight!

Ingredients Needed

- 1 small celery
- 1 carrot
- 1 can of 450 g tomatoes in their own juice
- 2 onions
- 350 g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons of rice
- 1 thin slice of bread
- 1/4 bunch of fresh parsley
- 500 ml borscht (optional, for a tangy flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Meatball Soup

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling the vegetables. Cut the celery and carrot into small cubes, and chop the onions finely. These vegetables will add a special flavor to your soup and contribute to its hearty texture.

2. Boiling the vegetables: Put a pot with 2 liters of water on high heat and add the chopped vegetables. Let it boil for 10-15 minutes until they become slightly soft.

3. Preparing the meatballs: In a bowl, soak the slice of bread in water, then crumble it well. Add the minced meat, rice, a small chopped onion, 1/4 of the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix the composition well with wet hands, forming balls with a diameter of 3-4 cm. This step is essential for obtaining juicy and flavorful meatballs.

4. Adding the meatballs to the soup: After the vegetables have boiled, reduce the heat to low and add the meatballs to the pot. It’s important to place them carefully to avoid breaking them. Let them boil together with the vegetables for 15-20 minutes.

5. Seasoning the soup: Once the meatballs are cooked, add the borscht (if you choose to use it), salt, and pepper to taste. Let it boil for another 2-3 boils to intensify the flavors.

6. Finalizing the soup: Before turning off the heat, add the remaining chopped parsley, which will give a fresh touch to your soup. Stir gently, and it’s ready!

Serving

Meatball soup is served hot, ideally alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can add, according to your preferences, sour cream or hot peppers for an extra flavor.

Practical Tips

- Types of meat: You can use chicken or turkey for lighter meatballs. Additionally, a combination of meats can bring an even more complex flavor.
- Root vegetables: Depending on the season, you can also add other vegetables, such as potatoes or zucchini, to enrich the soup.
- Borscht: Use natural borscht for better acidity, but if you don’t have it, you can use lemon juice or vinegar to achieve the same effect.

Nutritional Information

A serving of meatball soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the type of meat used and the amount of borscht. It is a recipe rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables and lean meats, making it ideal for a nourishing lunch meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I store the soup in the fridge? Yes, the soup can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. It may taste even better the next day when the flavors have blended.
- How can I thicken the soup? If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a tablespoon of flour diluted in water or some grated potatoes during boiling.

Possible Variations

- Fish meatball soup: Replace the meat with minced fish for a lighter and healthier version.
- Spicy soup: Add hot peppers or spices like chili powder or curry for an exotic touch.

Serving Recommendations

To complete the meal, you can serve meatball soup alongside a fresh green salad or a fruit compote, which will provide a pleasant contrast to the savory taste of the soup.

Meatball soup is more than just a recipe; it is a tradition, a memory, and a declaration of love for gastronomy. So take your time to enjoy every step of preparing this delight and, above all, every bite! Bon appétit!