Zucchini meatball soup

Zucchini Meatball Soup - A Delicacy Full of Flavor and Health

I invite you to discover a recipe that combines taste with nutritional benefits: zucchini meatball soup. This soup is not only flavorful but also very healthy, thanks to the fresh and nutritious ingredients. Meatball soup is a traditional dish that has been appreciated over time for its versatility and the fact that it can be adapted according to the season and available ingredients. Let's embark together on the adventure of this delicious recipe!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total: 70 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

- 2 medium zucchinis
- 4 medium carrots
- 2 eggs
- 200 g sweet cheese
- 1 small can of sour cream
- 1 parsnip (or 1 large slice)
- 1 slice of celery
- 2 bunches of fresh dill
- Sour cherry juice, borscht, or lemon (to taste)
- 1 small onion (white or red)
- 5 tablespoons of semolina
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- Oil (4-5 tablespoons)
- Salt (to taste)
- Water (about 2-3 liters, depending on the desired consistency)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the zucchini
Start by peeling the zucchinis and removing the seeds. Cut them in half to obtain four pieces. Grate three of the halves and squeeze them well to remove excess juice. This step is important to avoid a watery soup.

Step 2: Prepare the meatball mixture
In a bowl, mix the grated zucchini with two eggs, salt, semolina, flour, sweet cheese, and a few finely chopped dill sprigs. This mixture will form the meatballs that will enrich the soup with a delicious taste.

Step 3: Cook the vegetables
In a large pot, add the oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Add the diced carrots, parsnip, and celery, and let them sauté together for about 5-7 minutes. Drizzle a little water to help the vegetables soften and absorb the flavors.

Step 4: Add the zucchini
Add the remaining half of the zucchini, cut into cubes, to the pot. Fill with boiling water to achieve the desired consistency for the soup. Add salt to taste.

Step 5: Cook the meatballs
When the vegetables have boiled and softened, form meatballs from the zucchini mixture, about the size of a walnut, and add them to the soup. Let them boil for 10 minutes until the meatballs rise to the surface and become fluffy.

Step 6: Prepare the sour cream with eggs
In a separate bowl, mix two egg yolks with the sour cream. Dilute this mixture with a tablespoon of hot soup, stirring constantly to avoid curdling the eggs. Carefully add this mixture to the soup, gently homogenizing it.

Step 7: Finalize the soup
Add the sour cherry juice, borscht, or lemon, according to your preference, and the chopped dill. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors, then turn off the heat.

Serving:
Zucchini meatball soup is served hot, and for an extra touch of flavor, you can accompany it with a slice of fresh bread. It is a perfect dish for a family meal or to impress guests.

Variation suggestions:
You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or parsley, to give it an even richer taste. Additionally, you can replace the sweet cheese with ricotta or goat cheese for a more sophisticated note.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables. Zucchini is low in calories, making it ideal for a balanced diet. Additionally, the sweet cheese adds protein and calcium, making this soup an excellent choice for bone health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen zucchinis?
It is recommended to use fresh zucchinis to achieve the best texture and flavor, but if you have frozen zucchinis, make sure to thaw and squeeze them well before use.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add some finely chopped hot peppers during cooking or use hot paprika in the vegetable mixture.

3. What other herbs can I use?
Besides dill, you can experiment with basil or oregano to add an interesting note to your soup.

Conclusion:
Zucchini meatball soup is not only a nourishing dish but also a symbol of goodness and comfort. It is a simple recipe that can be personalized and adapted to your preferences. I encourage you to try it and enjoy every spoonful! Bon appétit!