Meatball soup
Meatball Soup - A classic, inviting recipe full of love
Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 6
Meatball soup is a beloved recipe that evokes warm and comforting meals from childhood. This soup is a delicious combination of fresh vegetables, minced meat, and spices, all in a flavorful broth. It is a dish that can easily be adapted to individual tastes, and in this guide, I will show you step by step how to achieve the best meatball soup.
Ingredients for the soup:
- 2 medium onions
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1/2 small celery
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 potato
- 2 tomatoes
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley or lovage
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 tablespoon of Delikat (or other soup seasoning)
- Borscht in a packet or bottle (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of rice
- 70 g tomato paste
Ingredients for the meatballs:
- 300 g mixed meat (pork and beef)
- 1 tablespoon of thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 tablespoon of semolina
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of oil
- 2-3 teaspoons of Delikat
Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
Start by bringing a pot of water to boil. While the water is heating, focus on the vegetables. Wash and peel them well. Chop the bell peppers into small cubes, finely chop the onion, and grate the celery, carrot, and potato on a large grater. You can peel the tomatoes if you prefer, or leave the skin on for added texture. These aromatic vegetables will give your soup a special flavor!
Step 2: Boiling the vegetables
When the water is boiling, add the prepared vegetables to the pot. Let them boil over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the vegetables to release their flavors and combine into a delicious broth.
Step 3: Preparing the meatballs
Meanwhile, let’s take care of the meatballs. In a bowl, combine the minced meat with thyme, pepper, semolina, egg, and oil. Mix the ingredients well with your hands or a spatula until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. A good idea is to wet your hands with a little oil and vinegar before forming the meatballs, so they don’t stick and crumble during cooking.
Step 4: Adding the meatballs
After the vegetables are boiled, form the meatballs and carefully add them to the pot. Cover the pot and let them simmer on low heat. It’s time to skim off the foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clear and tasty broth. Let the meatballs simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until they are well cooked.
Step 5: Finalizing the soup
Once the meatballs are cooked, add the tomato paste and rice. Continue to boil the soup until the rice is cooked, about 10 minutes. Now is the time to add the borscht, Delikat, and pepper, adjusting the taste to your preference. Finely chopped garlic is added in the last stage to preserve its intense aroma. Let it come to a few more boils and then you can turn off the heat.
Step 6: Serving the soup
Finally, add the finely chopped parsley or lovage for an extra touch of freshness. Meatball soup is excellent served with sour cream and hot peppers on the side, and its rich texture makes it perfect for cool days.
Tips and useful advice:
- If you want a lighter version, you can use chicken or turkey for the meatballs.
- Experiment with different vegetables depending on the season. Zucchini, squash, or peas can add a unique touch.
- Meatball soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or can be frozen for later consumption.
Nutritional benefits:
Meatball soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. The vegetables provide a rich supply of vitamins and minerals, while the meat offers essential proteins. A serving of meatball soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen meat for the meatballs?
- Yes, you can use frozen meat, but make sure it is completely thawed before using it.
2. How can I keep the soup fresh for longer?
- The soup keeps best in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and if you want to freeze it, make sure to let it cool completely before putting it in the freezer.
3. What other recipes can be combined with meatball soup?
- This soup pairs perfectly with warm polenta or a fresh summer salad, but it can also be enjoyed with a slice of homemade bread.
I invite you to try this meatball soup recipe and enjoy the delicious flavors it brings. It is a dish that brings the family together around the table, evoking pleasant memories and unforgettable moments. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 2 medium onions, 1 green bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper, 1/2 small celery, 1 medium carrot, 1 potato, 1 bunch of fresh parsley or lovage, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 tablespoon of Delikat seasoning, borscht in a packet or bottle, 1 tablespoon of rice, 3 cloves of garlic, 2 tomatoes, 70 g of tomato paste. For the meatballs, we need: 300 grams of mixed meat (pork and beef), 1 tablespoon of thyme, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 tablespoon of semolina, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of oil, 2-3 teaspoons of Delikat seasoning.
