Meatball soup with rice

Meatball soup with rice is a dish that brings not only a savory mix of flavors to the plate but also pleasant childhood memories, when Sunday meals were filled with lovingly cooked dishes. This recipe is not only simple but also extremely satisfying, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner or to impress friends. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

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

Ingredients needed

- 500 g ground meat (pork, beef, or a combination of both)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 cup of rice (about 150 g)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Sour borscht (to taste)
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 peeled tomato
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Lovage (optional, for garnish)
- Oil (for sautéing the vegetables)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparation of ingredients

Before starting to cook, it is essential to prepare all the ingredients. Rinse the rice under cold running water to remove excess starch, which will help achieve a less sticky consistency. Dice the onion, carrot, and tomato into small cubes to allow the flavors to combine better during cooking.

Step 1: Sautéing the vegetables

In a large pot, add a few tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and tomato. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and the onion turns translucent. This step will add a flavorful base to the soup.

Step 2: Boiling the soup

Fill the pot with about 3 liters of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, add a cup of rinsed rice. Let the rice boil together with the vegetables for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Preparing the meatballs

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the egg, the two tablespoons of flour, crushed (or finely chopped) garlic, and your favorite spices (salt, pepper, maybe even paprika for a more intense flavor). Use damp hands to form meatballs of the desired size. This moisture will help prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.

Step 4: Adding the meatballs to the soup

After the rice has boiled for 10 minutes, carefully add the meatballs to the pot. They will float to the surface, but don’t worry, they will cook perfectly in a few minutes. Let it boil for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked and the rice is tender.

Step 5: Flavoring the soup

Once the meatballs and rice are cooked, add sour borscht to taste. This will add a note of freshness and acidity, balancing the rich flavors of the meat. Let the soup boil for a few more minutes for the flavors to blend.

Step 6: Serving

Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and add sour cream to taste, stirring gently. Serve the soup hot, garnishing each portion with chopped parsley and, optionally, lovage for an extra touch of freshness. This soup is delicious alongside a slice of fresh bread or a warm flatbread.

Useful tips

1. Meat: You can use chicken or turkey for a lighter option. Also, try to use meat with a moderate fat content to achieve a richer soup.
2. Borscht: If you prefer a less sour soup, start with a small amount of borscht and gradually add until you reach your desired taste.
3. Vegetables: Experiment with other vegetables, such as celery or bell pepper, to add more flavors.
4. Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with plant proteins (e.g., tofu or lentils) and use vegetable broth instead of water.

Nutrition and calories

A serving of meatball soup contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the type of meat used and the amount of sour cream added. This soup is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals due to the varied ingredients. For example, carrots and tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, and garlic is known for its beneficial properties for the immune system.

Frequently asked questions

1. How long can I keep the soup? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and the flavor will improve as the flavors develop.
2. Can I freeze the soup? Yes, meatball soup can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in airtight containers.
3. What kind of drinks pair well with this soup? A warm meatball soup pairs excellently with a glass of dry white wine or fresh tomato juice.

Meatball soup with rice is a dish that not only soothes the soul but also combines a varied palette of flavors and textures. Try this recipe and enjoy every spoonful!