White meatball soup

White meatball soup - a traditional recipe that combines the fresh taste of vegetables with the unmistakable aroma of meat, making it a perfect choice for family meals, as well as for moments when you want to indulge in a comforting dish. This soup is not just a simple meal, but a true warm hug in a bowl. Let's explore together each step of this delicious recipe!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

For the soup:
- 1 medium celery
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red for an extra splash of color)
- 1 tomato
- 1 medium onion
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar (or to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- 200 ml sour cream (ideally with a high-fat content for a creamy texture)
- 2 tablespoons of flour

For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced meat (pork, beef, or a combination)
- 100 g mushrooms (fresh or canned)
- 100 g rice (well washed)
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables

Start by cleaning and washing the vegetables. Cut the celery, bell pepper, and tomato into small cubes. For a finer texture, you can grate a carrot (for added sweetness and color). The onion and garlic cloves can be left whole to give the soup a subtle aroma.

Step 2: Boiling the vegetables

Put the chopped vegetables into a large pot with water (about 2 liters) and let them boil over medium heat. Add a little salt to enhance the flavor of the vegetables. When the water starts to boil, reduce the heat and let the vegetables cook for 10-15 minutes until they become slightly soft.

Step 3: Preparing the meatballs

Meanwhile, it's time to prepare the meatballs. In a large bowl, mix the minced meat with the washed rice, finely chopped mushrooms, chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to combine the ingredients, forming small meatballs (about 2.5 cm in diameter). They will become delicious and juicy in the soup.

Step 4: Adding the meatballs to the soup

After the vegetables have boiled, carefully add the meatballs to the pot. Use a spoon to gently introduce them into the water. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring gently to avoid sticking the meatballs to the bottom of the pot. Let it boil for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked.

Step 5: Seasoning the soup

Once the meatballs are cooked, add the finely chopped lovage and adjust the soup's taste with salt, vinegar, or lemon juice, according to your preferences. Now is the time to decide what acidity you want for the soup, so taste a little before adding more.

Step 6: Cream of sour cream

In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with the flour. Gradually add a spoonful of the hot soup liquid while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once the mixture is smooth, pour it back into the pot, stirring again. Let the soup come to a boil again to thicken and combine the flavors.

Step 7: Serving the soup

The white meatball soup is ready! Serve it hot, sprinkled with a little fresh lovage on top for an attractive appearance and fresh aroma. You can accompany it with a slice of homemade bread or crunchy croutons for a pleasant contrast of textures.

Serving suggestions and variations

For a touch of originality, you can add a few slices of boiled carrot or olives for an extra splash of color and flavor. Additionally, the soup can be served with chili peppers for those who love spice.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of white meatball soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is an excellent source of protein from meat and rice, while the vegetables provide valuable vitamins and minerals. Lovage, besides its aroma, also has diuretic and digestive properties.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat for the meatballs?
Of course! You can experiment with chicken or fish for a lighter version.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a little chopped chili pepper or chili flakes during boiling.

3. Can the meatballs be frozen?
Yes, it's a great idea! You can make the meatballs in advance and freeze them, then add them directly to the soup without needing to thaw.

4. What other recipes can I try with vegetables?
I recommend trying a creamy vegetable soup or a tripe soup, which are just as delicious and comforting.

White meatball soup is more than just a simple recipe; it is a piece of culinary tradition that brings people together. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its flavors!