Veal meatball soup with plenty of tarragon

Veal meatball soup with plenty of tarragon

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a delicious veal meatball soup, flavored with fresh tarragon. This recipe is not only easy to make but also an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Meatball soup is a traditional dish that has been cherished by generations. Whether served at a family meal or a gathering with friends, this soup will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

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

Ingredients:
- 1 kg ground veal
- 4 onions
- 2 carrots
- 2 green bell peppers
- 1 small root of celery
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 pinch of thyme
- 1 pinch of ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons of tomato juice
- 1 teaspoon of dried or fresh tarragon (preferably fresh)
- 3 liters of water
- 1/2 tablespoon of salt
- 2 eggs

Preparing the meatball soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the 4 onions. It is important to achieve a uniform chop so that the flavors blend perfectly in the soup. The carrots, bell peppers, and celery should be peeled and diced into small cubes. The rice should also be washed well under cold running water to remove excess starch.

2. Mixing the meat: In a large bowl, combine the ground veal with the chopped onion, the 2 eggs, a pinch of thyme, salt, and pepper. Knead the mixture well until it becomes homogeneous and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to develop and integrate.

3. Cooking the vegetables: In a large pot, add 3 liters of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water reaches a boiling point, add the chopped vegetables: carrots, bell peppers, and celery. Don’t forget to add a little salt to help extract the flavors from the vegetables. Cover the pot and let it simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes.

4. Forming the meatballs: After the meat mixture has rested, form small meatballs, about the size of a ping pong ball. These will be easy to cook and will absorb the flavors from the soup.

5. Boiling the meatballs: After the vegetables have boiled for 30 minutes, add the meatballs to the pot along with the washed rice. Cover the pot and let everything simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes. Here, the rice will absorb the juices and flavors, and the meatballs will cook perfectly.

6. Adding the tomato juice: Once the meatballs are cooked, add the 3 tablespoons of tomato juice. This will add a touch of acidity that will balance the taste of the soup. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes.

7. Finalizing the dish: In the last minutes of cooking, add the tarragon. If using fresh tarragon, it is ideal to chop it finely to release the flavors. Cover the pot to allow the tarragon to infuse well into the soup.

8. Serving: The meatball soup is served hot, ideally alongside a slice of fresh bread. If desired, you can add a teaspoon of sour cream to each bowl for an even creamier taste.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can also include other herbs such as parsley or dill, but be careful not to overpower the main flavor of the tarragon.
- The meatball soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and the taste intensifies the next day.
- If you prefer a spicier version, you can add some chopped hot pepper.

Nutritional benefits:
Veal meatball soup is rich in quality proteins due to the meat and provides plenty of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Additionally, tarragon has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, making this dish not only tasty but also beneficial for health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of meat? Absolutely! You can use pork or chicken, but the taste will be different.
- What other vegetables can I add? Potatoes, zucchini, or spinach are excellent options.
- How can I make the soup lighter? You can reduce the amount of rice or omit it altogether, thus obtaining a leaner version.

This veal meatball soup is not only a simple recipe but also an excellent way to enjoy a healthy and comforting meal. Whether you savor it alone or with loved ones, each spoonful will bring you the warmth and comfort of a traditional meal. I invite you to enjoy its flavors and share this delicious dish with friends and family. Enjoy your meal!