Peasant meatball soup

Peasant Borscht with Meatballs: A Traditional Delicacy Full of Flavor

When it comes to culinary comfort, few dishes can rival a peasant borscht with meatballs. This recipe is not only a symbol of traditional gastronomy but also an excellent way to bring family and friends together at the table. Aromatic, comforting, and full of flavor, meatball borscht is the perfect choice for cool days or any occasion when you want to indulge yourself.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:
- 750 g minced meat (mix of pork and beef)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
- Fresh dill (a bunch, finely chopped)

For the soup:
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 carrots (grated or diced)
- 1 parsnip (diced)
- 1 parsley root (diced)
- 1 small celery (diced)
- 200 g frozen peas
- 200 g frozen green beans
- 2 potatoes (diced)
- 1 l borscht (boiling)
- 200 ml cooking cream
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Sweet paprika (1 teaspoon)
- Oil (for sautéing the vegetables)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
Start by peeling all the vegetables. Wash them well under cold running water. After peeling, finely chop the onion, carrots, parsnip, parsley root, and celery. You can use a large grater for the carrots and parsnip, which will help release the flavors.

Step 2: Sautéing the vegetables
In a large skillet, add a little oil and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent. Then, add the carrots, parsnip, parsley root, and celery. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly.

Step 3: Preparing the meatballs
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, thyme, and finely chopped fresh dill. Mix the composition well using your hands to achieve an even consistency. From the mixture, form meatballs of the desired size, usually about the size of a golf ball.

Step 4: Boiling the borscht
Add the sautéed vegetables to a large pot and pour in water (about 2 liters). Let it boil over medium heat for 10 minutes. Then, add the meatballs to the soup, being careful not to stir them too much. They will cook gently in the hot liquid.

Step 5: Adding the potatoes
After the meatballs are nearly cooked (about 15 minutes), add the diced potatoes. This step is essential to ensure a pleasant texture and rich flavor in the borscht.

Step 6: Completing the soup
Once the potatoes are nearly cooked (after 10-15 minutes), add the boiling borscht, peas, and frozen green beans. Don’t forget the tomato paste, salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Let everything boil together for another 10 minutes.

Step 7: Finishing the dish
Turn off the heat and add the cooking cream and chopped lovage. These ingredients will add a fine creaminess and delicious flavor to our borscht. Gently stir to incorporate the cream.

Serving:
Borscht is served hot, with onion or chili pepper on the side for an extra kick. It’s ideal to accompany it with a slice of fresh bread or polenta. This recipe is perfect for family meals or a relaxing evening with friends.

Serving suggestions:
To add an extra flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of fresh dill or lovage on each serving. Also, if you love spices, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can transform the dish into a gourmet experience.

Useful tips:
1. If you want to enhance the flavor of the borscht, you can add a few bay leaves during boiling.
2. Use fresh, quality minced meat to achieve juicy meatballs.
3. Make sure the borscht is boiling before adding it to the soup to avoid altering the taste.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken for the meatballs? Yes, chicken meat is a lighter alternative, but make sure it doesn’t become dry.
2. What can I do if I don’t have borscht? You can use sauerkraut juice or lemon juice to add acidity.
3. Can the meatball borscht be frozen? Yes, it is ideal for freezing, but it’s best not to add cream before freezing.

Nutritional benefits:
Peasant borscht with meatballs is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals due to the combination of vegetables and meat. It is nourishing and filling, making it perfect for a lunch or dinner meal. Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of cream and oil used.

Possible variations:
- You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell pepper, to diversify the flavor of the borscht.
- Instead of meat, you can try a vegetarian version with tofu or mushrooms for a meatless meal.

Peasant borscht with meatballs is not just a simple recipe; it’s a culinary experience that brings together tradition, family, and authentic flavors. So gather your loved ones and enjoy every bite of this delicious dish! Enjoy your meal!