Turkey meatball soup

Turkey meatball soup: a comforting recipe for the soul

Turkey meatball soup is one of those recipes that reminds us of family meals, moments spent together, and childhood flavors. This soup is not only tasty but also nourishing, based on simple yet flavorful ingredients. Additionally, using turkey meat makes it lighter, being a healthier option compared to other types of meat. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious soup, step by step!

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

Ingredients:

300 g ground turkey
2 medium potatoes
2 carrots
2 onions
1 small zucchini
50 g celery
1 bunch of parsley
1 bell pepper
70 g rice
1 bunch of lovage
1 tomato
50 g ketchup
1 liter borscht (or 1 packet of Magic Borscht or 1 borscht cube)
sour cream for dressing, to taste
20 ml oil
salt, pepper, to taste
(optional: 1 chicken stock cube)

Ingredient details:

Turkey meat is an excellent source of protein, low in fat. It is ideal for those who want to eat healthily without giving up flavor. Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and zucchini not only add a pleasant texture but also essential vitamins. Parsley and lovage add a fresh and aromatic note, while the borscht gives the soup its characteristic sour taste.

Preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by cleaning and washing all the vegetables. Finely chop one onion, the carrot, parsley, and tomato. These will be sautéed to bring out their flavors.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a pan, add the oil and let it heat up. Add the chopped onion, carrot, parsley, and tomato. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for a few minutes until they become soft and aromatic.

3. Preparing the rice: In another pan, finely chop the other onion and add a little oil and ketchup. Sauté for a few minutes, then add 50 ml of water and the rice. Let it simmer on low heat until the rice absorbs all the liquid, stirring occasionally.

4. Boiling the soup: In a large pot, add 3 liters of water with a little salt and bring to a boil. Add the diced celery, zucchini, bell pepper, and potato. When the water boils, add the sautéed vegetables and let it simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.

5. Forming the meatballs: In a bowl, combine the ground turkey with the sautéed rice and chopped greens. Season with salt and pepper, then form small meatballs, placing them on a damp plate to prevent sticking.

6. Adding the meatballs to the soup: After the soup has boiled for 30 minutes, add a little cold water to stop the boiling. On very low heat, carefully add the meatballs to the soup. When they rise to the surface, they are almost cooked.

7. Sour the soup: Separately, bring the borscht to a boil, then add it to the pot with the soup. If using Magic Borscht or borscht concentrate, add it directly to the soup. Let it simmer on low heat with the lid on for 10 minutes.

8. Finishing the soup: In a bowl, mix the sour cream with a little soup broth and the chopped lovage, then add the mixture to the pot. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as desired.

9. Serving: Serve the soup hot, garnished with a lovage leaf. You can add hot pepper for an extra kick. Those who prefer a sourer taste can drizzle lemon juice or vinegar directly into the bowl.

The story behind the recipe:

Turkey meatball soup is a traditional dish often associated with family Sunday meals. It is a recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, with each family having its own version and secret tricks. This soup not only provides a hearty meal but also a sense of warmth and comfort.

Tips and variations:

- You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or pork, to achieve a distinct flavor.
- Add extra vegetables like peas or green beans to enrich the taste and appearance of the soup.
- If you enjoy a smoky flavor, you can add a few pieces of smoked ham to the soup for a special taste.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can turkey meatball soup be frozen?
Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add sour cream before freezing. Add it only before serving.

2. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to boil it separately before adding it to the soup.

3. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add fresh hot pepper or chili flakes during cooking for a more intense flavor.

Nutrition:

This soup is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, providing a balanced meal. A 300 g serving of soup contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used. It is an excellent choice for a healthy meal, being low in fat and high in fiber due to the vegetables.

In conclusion, turkey meatball soup is a delicious dish suitable for any occasion. A simple yet flavorful recipe that brings warmth and comfort to every bowl. Enjoy your meal!