Soups - Meatball soup with sour cream by Octavia L. - Recipia
Meatball soup with sour cream - a heartfelt recipe

Meatball soup with sour cream is a classic dish that evokes memories of warm and joyful family meals. Each spoonful is a warm embrace, and the delicate flavors of fresh vegetables and juicy meatballs create a symphony of tastes that pamper you. In this recipe, I will show you how to prepare this delicacy step by step, providing you with tips and useful information to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 300 g minced meat (pork, beef, or a mix)
- 2 handfuls of rice (approximately 150 g)
- 1 egg
- 1 handful of breadcrumbs (approximately 50 g)
- 1 clove of garlic (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 onion
- 1 bell pepper (or half, depending on size)
- 2 carrots
- 1 root of celery or fennel
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste (for intense color and flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream (for serving)
- fresh celery leaves and lovage

Preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetables: In a large pot, add water and boil the whole onion, celery leaves, lovage, whole bell pepper, and celery root. Add a little salt to enhance the flavors. Let it boil over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.

2. Preparing the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the egg, rice, breadcrumbs, and chopped parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until homogeneous. Here's a trick: if you like a more intense flavor, you can also add a crushed clove of garlic to the meat mixture.

3. Forming the meatballs: Using wet hands, shape small meatballs, about the size of a walnut. They will cook evenly and be easy to eat.

4. Finishing the soup: After the vegetables have boiled, remove them from the pot. The bell pepper can be peeled, chopped finely, and added back to the soup. If you dislike the texture of the skin, you can choose to remove it completely – the soup will still taste delicious.

5. Adding the meatballs: Before adding the meatballs to the soup, pour a cup of cold water into the pot. This step helps keep the meatballs tender. Let it simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes.

6. Adding the vegetables: After 10 minutes, add the sliced carrots and tomato paste. Let the soup boil for another 15 minutes, so all the flavors blend harmoniously.

7. Adjusting the soup: In a separate bowl, combine an egg yolk with the sour cream. Take a ladle of soup from the pot and mix it with the egg and sour cream to thin it out. This trick prevents the egg from curdling in the soup. Then, pour the mixture back into the pot and stir well.

8. Serving: The meatball soup is ready! Serve it hot, sprinkled with fresh parsley, and if desired, add sour cream to the bowl, each to their own taste. It’s a perfect combination, and the sour cream adds a special creaminess.

Nutritional benefits:

This soup is rich in protein due to the meat and egg, while the vegetables provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. The rice contributes healthy carbohydrates, providing energy throughout the day. Additionally, the sour cream adds healthy fats, which help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used and the amounts added.

Possible variations:

If you want to personalize the recipe, you can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or peas. You can also experiment with different types of meat – turkey or chicken are excellent options for a lighter variant. Try adding aromatic herbs like basil or coriander to bring a unique touch.

Practical tips:

- Choose quality meat, as this will directly influence the taste of the soup.
- If you have time, let the soup simmer longer to deepen the flavors. A well-cooked soup will have a richer taste.
- The meatball soup can be prepared in advance and keeps well in the refrigerator. The flavor will intensify even more as it sits.
- You can pair the meatball soup with fresh bread or polenta, which will perfectly complement the meal.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use meat from other sources?
Yes, you can use turkey or chicken for a lighter variant. Make sure it is well minced to achieve tender meatballs.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a little cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meat mixture for a spicier flavor.

3. Can I skip the sour cream?
Of course! The soup is delicious even without sour cream. You can opt for Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative.

4. How can I keep the soup fresh longer?
The soup can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual portions.

This meatball soup with sour cream is not just a simple dish, but a memory filled with warmth and love. I invite you to try it and recall the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Savor each bite and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends!

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Soups - Meatball soup with sour cream by Octavia L. - Recipia

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