Meatball soup

Meatball soup is a classic and beloved dish that evokes memories of family Sunday meals. This recipe is not just a simple soup, but a perfect combination of flavors, textures, and colors that will warm your soul. With simple yet flavorful ingredients, meatball soup proves to be both comforting and nourishing. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy step by step.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

For the soup:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- ½ celery, cubed
- 3 medium carrots, grated or sliced
- 1 bunch of lovage, finely chopped
- 1 bunch of parsley, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste (or tomato purée)
- 1 liter of water (or meat broth for a richer flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the meatballs:
- 500 g ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef)
- 80 g rice
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preparing the vegetables:
Start by washing and peeling the vegetables. Chop the onion, bell pepper, celery, and carrots into small cubes or slices, depending on your preference. These vegetables will form the base of your soup, providing a rich taste and pleasant texture.

2. Boiling the vegetables:
In a large pot, add the water (or meat broth) and the chopped vegetables. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil for 40 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

3. Preparing the meatballs:
Meanwhile, prepare the meatballs. In a bowl, add the ground meat, rice, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. From the mixture, form balls the size of walnuts.

4. Adding the meatballs:
After the vegetables are boiled, carefully add the meatballs to the pot. It is important to introduce them gently to avoid breaking them. Let them simmer on low heat, covered, for about 15-20 minutes. This step is essential for the meatballs to cook evenly and remain juicy.

5. Finalizing the soup:
Once the meatballs are cooked, add the tomato paste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup boil for a few more minutes, then turn off the heat. Finally, add the finely chopped lovage and parsley for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

6. Serving:
Meatball soup is served hot, with a slice of fresh bread on the side. A personal recommendation is to add a few drops of lemon juice to enhance the flavors, or you can enjoy the soup with creamy sour cream.

Useful tips

- For a heartier soup, you can also add diced potatoes along with the other vegetables.
- Vary the type of meat: You can use ground chicken or beef, depending on your preferences. You can also add spices like sweet paprika or herbs de Provence for a different taste.
- Care when forming meatballs: Wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking to your palms when forming the balls.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers, the soup can be easily frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in airtight containers.

Nutritional benefits

Meatball soup is an excellent source of protein due to the meat, while the vegetables add essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A serving of soup provides a balanced meal, ideal for the whole family. This recipe is a good choice for a healthy meal, with a caloric content of approximately 280-350 kcal per serving, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables are a quick and practical alternative. Make sure to add them to the pot a few minutes earlier to give them time to thaw and cook properly.
- How can I make the soup spicier? You can add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes during cooking, depending on your taste.

Meatball soup is not just a dish, but a culinary experience that brings people together. I hope this recipe inspires you and brings joy to your kitchen. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, 1/2 celery root, 3 medium carrots, 1 bunch of lovage, 1 bunch of parsley, 500g minced pork, 80g rice, 1/2 finely chopped onion (for meatballs), 3 tablespoons tomato paste, salt, pepper