Meatball soup

Meatball soup is a comforting dish that brings smiles and memories of home. It is a traditional recipe, full of flavor and aroma, made with simple and accessible ingredients. Even though I am far from Romania, this soup always reminds me of the moments spent with family around the table, where every spoonful was filled with warmth and joy. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 300 g minced beef (or a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor)
- 1 egg
- 2 onions (one for the soup and one for the meatballs)
- 1 carrot (sliced)
- 200 g green beans (cut into strips)
- 1 potato (diced)
- 2 slices of bread (soaked in milk)
- 5 tablespoons of rice (washed and drained)
- 1 tablespoon of borscht (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of dried lovage (or fresh lovage, if available)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water (approximately 2 liters)

Step by step for a perfect meatball soup:

1. Preparing the vegetables for the soup: In a large pot, add about 2 liters of water and bring it to a boil. When the water starts boiling, add the diced potato, sliced carrot, and cut green beans. Finally, add one chopped onion (or halved, depending on your preference). These vegetables will add a wonderful aroma to the soup.

2. Preparing the meatballs: In a large bowl, place the minced meat and add the egg. Finely chop the other onion and add it to the meat. Now, add the soaked bread slices, washed and drained rice, as well as salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well. It is important that the mixture is homogeneous to achieve tender meatballs.

3. Forming the meatballs: Using a spoon, take a small amount of the meat mixture and form meatballs of the desired size. Roll each meatball in flour to achieve a crispy crust when cooking. Place the formed meatballs on aluminum foil or a platter to have them ready.

4. Boiling the meatballs: Once all the meatballs are formed, add them to the pot with the boiled vegetables, one by one, to avoid overcrowding. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes. It is essential to check occasionally to ensure they do not stick to the bottom of the pot.

5. Adding flavors: After the meatballs have boiled, add the tomato paste and borscht. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes. These ingredients will enrich the soup's flavor and add a pleasant acidity.

6. Finishing the soup: Finally, add the dried or fresh lovage, chopped finely, and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Lovage is the secret ingredient that will transform the soup into a memorable culinary experience. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

Tips and useful advice:

- For a heartier soup, you can add other vegetables, such as celery or bell pepper.
- If you want a more intense flavor, use beef with a higher fat content. This will make the soup richer and more flavorful.
- For an extra aroma, you can add spices like bay leaves or dill during cooking.
- Meatball soup can be served with sour cream or toasted bread croutons for added texture.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

This meatball soup recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. The vegetables provide a significant amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the beef offers essential proteins for a balanced diet. Consuming soup can help hydrate the body and maintain healthy digestion.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken, which will make the meatballs lighter.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Adding hot peppers or spicy seasonings will intensify the flavor and give the soup a spicier taste.
- Is meatball soup good for freezing? Yes, the soup freezes very well. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and consume it within 2-3 months.

Meatball soup is an excellent choice for a warm, comforting meal, perfect for chilly days or when you want to indulge in something truly tasty. Enjoy it with a slice of fresh bread and a green salad for a complete lunch. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 300 g minced beef, one egg, two onions, one carrot, a bunch of green beans, two slices of bread soaked in milk, five tablespoons of rice, one potato, one tablespoon of magic sour, one tablespoon of tomato paste, one tablespoon of dried lovage (you can also use fresh lovage)

 Tags:  meatball soup