Meatball soup

Meatball Soup – a delicious and comforting recipe

Meatball soup is a traditional dish that evokes memories of family Sunday meals, when everyone gathers around the table to enjoy warm and flavorful dishes. This recipe is not only nourishing but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for chilly days or moments when you need culinary comfort.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

- 600 g ground pork (or a combination of pork and beef for a richer taste)
- 4 onions (2 for the meatballs, 2 for the soup)
- 1 large carrot (about 150 g)
- 1 bell pepper (red or green, according to preference)
- 1 l cabbage juice (or water, if you prefer a less sour soup)
- 3 tomatoes (or 300 g frozen tomatoes)
- 1 cup of rice (about 150 g)
- 1 bunch of greens (lovage, parsley)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 3 eggs

A brief history

Meatball soup is a highly appreciated dish in many culinary cultures, with deep roots in family gastronomic traditions. Meatballs, small balls of meat, were created to better utilize available ingredients and to add flavor to dishes. This type of soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something delicious and comforting.

Step by step

1. Preparing the meatballs: Start by finely chopping 2 onions and mixing them in a large bowl with 600 g of ground pork. Add a cup of well-washed rice, the 3 eggs, salt, pepper, and chopped greens (preferably lovage). Mix all the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

2. Forming the meatballs: With wet hands, form small balls from the meat mixture, about the size of a walnut. Make sure they are uniformly sized so they cook at the same time.

3. Boiling the vegetables: In a large pot, add about 2 liters of water and a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Meanwhile, clean and finely chop the other 2 onions, grate the carrot, and chop the bell pepper. When the water is boiling, add the chopped vegetables and let them boil for about 10 minutes until they become soft.

4. Adding the meatballs: After the vegetables have boiled, add the meatballs one by one to avoid sticking. Cook them for 15-20 minutes until they rise to the surface, indicating they are done. You can check if the meatballs are cooked by cutting one – the rice should be well cooked.

5. Finalizing the soup: When the meatballs are cooked, add the chopped tomatoes (or frozen ones) and optionally a glass of tomato juice for extra flavor. Let it boil for another 5-10 minutes. Then, pour in the cabbage juice, stirring to combine the flavors.

6. Adjusting the taste: Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper. Add the remaining greens and let it boil for another 2-3 minutes.

7. Serving: Serve the meatball soup hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. A teaspoon of sour cream at serving can add a creaminess that perfectly complements the dish.

Useful tips

- Meat: Use fresh, high-quality meat to achieve juicy meatballs. If you want a leaner option, you can use ground chicken.
- Vegetables: You can add other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the soup.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding spices like paprika or garlic to the meatball mixture for a more intense flavor. You can also try replacing the rice with quinoa or bulgur for a healthier option.
- Storage: Meatball soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. It can be frozen, but it is recommended to reheat it over low heat to avoid damaging the meatballs.

Nutritional benefits

Meatball soup is rich in protein due to the meat and eggs, as well as fiber from the vegetables. A serving contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients. It is an excellent choice for a nourishing lunch or a comforting dinner, providing essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C from the tomatoes and vegetables.

Meatball soup is not just a delicious dish but also a wonderful way to bring the family together around the table. So, don't hesitate to share your recipe with loved ones and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 600 g minced meat (pork) 4 onions 1 carrot 1 bell pepper 1 l cabbage juice tomatoes (worth the price of 3) - I used frozen 1 cup of rice herbs salt, pepper 3 eggs

 Tags:  meatball soup