Meatball soup with cabbage juice

Meatball soup with cabbage juice is a classic dish, full of flavors and comfort, perfect for cool days or for moments when you need a comforting meal. This traditional recipe combines the savor of pork with the freshness of vegetables and a touch of acidity from the cabbage juice, creating a delicious mix that will delight any table. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious soup step by step and I'll offer you some useful tips to achieve a perfect result!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Necessary ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 1 kg pork (preferably from the shoulder or neck for a juicy texture)
- 2 slices of bread (preferably homemade or slightly stale bread, which absorbs moisture better)
- 3 tablespoons rice (previously washed)
- 2 onions (one for the filling and one for the soup)
- 2 eggs (for binding the mixture)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the soup:
- 2 bones with cartilage (beef, for a richer flavor)
- 1 carrot (for sweetness)
- 1 celery root (for flavor)
- 2 onions (one for meatballs, one for soup)
- 2 bell peppers (for color and taste)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (or 2 ripe tomatoes, if you prefer a fresher note)
- Lovage (fresh, for added flavor)
- 1 liter cabbage juice (you can also use fresh cabbage, but cabbage juice adds a pleasant acidity)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Step by step

Step 1: Preparing the soup base
Start by washing the beef bones well under cold running water. Place them in a large pot, add water and a teaspoon of salt, then let them boil over medium heat for about 30 minutes. It is important to remove the foam that forms on the surface; this is made up of impurities from the meat and will affect the clarity of your soup.

Step 2: Adding the vegetables
After boiling the bones for 30 minutes, remove them from the pot and keep the broth. Add the diced carrot, celery, and onion to the remaining broth. Let the vegetables boil over medium heat until they become slightly soft, about 10-15 minutes. This process will add a delicious and complex flavor to your soup.

Step 3: Preparing the meatballs
Meanwhile, you can start preparing the meatballs. In a large bowl, place the minced pork. Add the soaked and squeezed bread (or milk for a richer taste), washed rice, eggs, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients well with your hands or a wooden spoon until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. It is important not to overmix, to avoid tough meatballs.

Step 4: Forming the meatballs
Wet your palms (to prevent sticking) and form meatballs the size of a golf ball. Place them on a prepared plate. This simple trick will make your meatballs easier to handle and prevent sticking.

Step 5: Cooking the meatballs
When the vegetables in the pot are halfway cooked, carefully add the meatballs to the soup. Let them boil together with the vegetables for about 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked. You can check if they are done by cutting one in half; if it’s cooked inside, they are ready!

Step 6: Finishing the soup
After the meatballs are ready, add the cabbage juice to the soup. You can adjust the amount of cabbage juice depending on how sour you prefer the soup. Let it boil for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat. Add the chopped fresh lovage and mix well.

Serving
Meatball soup with cabbage juice is delicious served hot, with a generous spoonful of sour cream on top. The sour cream will add a pleasant creaminess and balance the acidity of the soup. You can serve it with fresh bread or polenta for a complete and comforting meal.

Useful tips
- For an even richer flavor, you can add a few sprigs of thyme during the boiling process.
- If you like the soup more sour, feel free to add more cabbage juice or even a splash of vinegar at the end.
- For a lighter version, you can use chicken or turkey instead of pork.
- For added texture, you can include some root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.

Nutritional information
Meatball soup with cabbage juice is an excellent choice for a healthy meal. A serving (approximately 300 ml) contains about 250 calories, being rich in protein due to the pork and meatballs. Additionally, the vegetables contribute important vitamins and minerals, while the cabbage juice provides beneficial probiotics for digestion.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes, you can use beef for the meatballs, but you need to be careful to adjust the cooking time.

2. How can I store the soup?
Meatball soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat it over low heat.

3. Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes, you can make meatballs from vegetables and rice, using tofu or mushrooms to give them texture.

This meatball soup recipe with cabbage juice is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. Every spoonful is full of memories and traditions, and every preparation is an opportunity to create memorable moments. Enjoy your meal!