Meatball soup
Meatball Soup with Beef Bones – a Feast for Carolers
Meatball soup is one of those recipes that instantly brings to mind the warmth of home, family meals, and moments spent with loved ones. This recipe is not only a delicious dish but also a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation, perfect for welcoming carolers on winter evenings. Let’s embark together on the preparation of this savory soup!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
For the soup:
- 1 kg beef bones
- 5 liters water
- 4 medium potatoes
- 1 large onion
- 3-4 tablespoons of mixed vegetables (carrot, parsnip, celery)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- A bunch of thyme
- A bunch of parsley
- A bunch of fresh lovage
- 300 ml sour borscht
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced beef
- 2 tablespoons rice (preferably long-grain rice)
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
Preparation:
1. Preparing the bones:
Start by washing the beef bones well under cold running water. This step is important to remove impurities and achieve a clear and savory soup. Place the bones in a large pot and add 5 liters of cold water. Put the pot over medium heat and let it boil. As the water begins to boil, you will notice foam forming on the surface. Skimming is essential, so do not hesitate to remove it with a skimmer several times until the water becomes clear.
2. Adding the vegetables:
After skimming, add the diced potatoes, finely chopped onion, mixed vegetables, bay leaf, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer over medium heat, covering the pot with a lid. This will help retain the flavors and cook the ingredients evenly.
3. Preparing the meatballs:
While the soup is boiling, it’s time to prepare the meatballs. In a large bowl, mix the minced beef with the rice, egg, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Use wet hands to shape the mixture into small balls. Place them on a tray or cutting board, being careful not to let them stick together.
4. Adding the borscht and tomato paste:
After about an hour of boiling, check if the bones are well cooked. Add the tomato paste and sour borscht, stirring gently to combine the flavors. Let it boil for another 10-15 minutes.
5. Boiling the meatballs:
Using a spoon, add the meatballs one by one into the soup. It’s important not to stir immediately, to allow the meatballs to settle and not break apart. Let them boil for 15-20 minutes, then check if they are cooked by cutting one in half. If the rice is cooked, the meatballs are ready.
6. Finalizing the soup:
Once the meatballs are ready, add the chopped parsley and lovage. These fresh herbs will give a special flavor to your soup. You can add sour cream when serving for extra creaminess and a richer taste.
Serving:
Meatball soup is served hot and can be accompanied by a slice of freshly baked homemade bread or a summer salad with fresh vegetables. A bottle of white wine or a light beer pairs wonderfully with this comforting dish.
Tips and variations:
- For an even more intense flavor, you can lightly fry the onion and mixed vegetables before adding them to the soup.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use chicken instead of beef, thus reducing the cooking time.
- Instead of sour borscht, you can add lemon juice for a fresh note.
Nutritional benefits:
Meatball soup is an excellent source of protein thanks to the beef, while the vegetables provide important vitamins and fiber. A serving of soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use pork bones instead of beef?
Yes, pork bones can provide a different taste and a richer consistency to the soup.
2. How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of flour diluted in cold water 10-15 minutes before adding the meatballs.
3. Can I prepare meatball soup in advance?
Certainly! The soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days and becomes even tastier the next day when the flavors have blended perfectly.
Whether you serve it to loved ones or prepare it for a festive meal, meatball soup is a true delight that will bring smiles to the faces of those who taste it. So, put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and enjoy this recipe full of tradition and flavor!
Ingredients: 1 kg beef bones, 5 l water, 4 potatoes, 1 onion, 3-4 tablespoons vegetables, salt, pepper, 1 bay leaf, thyme, parsley, lovage, 300 ml sour borscht, 2 tablespoons broth, Meatballs, 500 g minced beef, 2 tablespoons rice, 1 egg, salt, pepper, parsley
