Meatball soup

Meatball soup - a classic recipe, full of flavor and aromas, that reminds us of family meals from childhood. This dish is a delicious combination of fresh vegetables, minced meat, and rice, all wrapped in a tangy borscht that gives it an unmistakable taste. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly day or on summer evenings, meatball soup is an excellent choice, not only for its taste but also for the nutritional benefits it brings.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced beef
- 1 cup of rice (approximately 100 g)
- 2 eggs
- 1 onion
- 3-4 green onions
- 1 bunch of dill
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the borscht:
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 slice of celery
- 1 onion
- 4-5 green onions
- 4-5 green garlic stalks
- 1 l borscht (preferably homemade)
- 200 ml tomato juice
- 1 cup of rice (approximately 100 g)
- 1 bunch of dill
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 1 sprig of fresh mint
- 2-3 sprigs of wild thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
Start by peeling the vegetables. The carrots, parsnip, and celery should be finely chopped or grated. The onion should be finely chopped, and the green onion and garlic should be cut into small pieces. These vegetables will add a rich flavor and delicious taste to the borscht.

Step 2: Boiling the soup base
In a large pot, add 2 liters of water and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, add the carrot, parsnip, celery, and onion. Let it boil for 15 minutes, then add the green onion and garlic. Continue boiling for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 3: Adding the rice
After the vegetables have boiled, add the washed rice. Let it boil for 15 minutes, so the rice absorbs all the flavors from the soup.

Step 4: Preparing the meatballs
Meanwhile, prepare the meatball mixture. In a large bowl, mix the minced beef with the dried and green onion, rice (you can use the leftover rice from the previous boiling), dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add the eggs and mix well until you get a homogeneous mixture.

Step 5: Forming the meatballs
I recommend greasing your hands with a little oil to form the meatballs more easily. Take a portion of the mixture and form balls about 3-4 cm in diameter.

Step 6: Boiling the meatballs
To have nicely shaped meatballs, I prefer to boil them separately. So, in a separate pot, put salted water and bring to a boil. Add the meatballs and let them boil until they rise to the surface (about 10-15 minutes). This way, you can choose only the meatballs that remain whole.

Step 7: Preparing the borscht
While the meatballs are boiling, you can take care of the borscht. Add the boiled borscht and tomato juice to the pot with vegetables and rice. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper and add wild thyme for a special flavor. Let everything boil together for 5 minutes so that all the ingredients blend.

Step 8: Finalizing the dish
After boiling the meatballs and borscht, add them together in the large pot. Let them boil for a few minutes to combine perfectly. Finally, turn off the heat and let the soup rest for 10 minutes.

Step 9: Adding the herbs
Before serving, add the dill, parsley, lovage, and finely chopped mint. These fresh herbs will add a vibrant taste and wonderful aroma to your borscht.

Serving suggestions
Meatball soup can be served with sour cream, which adds a pleasant creaminess, but also with hot peppers for those who prefer a bit of spice. Additionally, a slice of homemade bread or warm polenta is perfect alongside.

Possible variations
If you want to add a personal touch, you can experiment with different types of meat (pork or chicken) or add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for an extra splash of color and nutrients. You can also try using borscht from other sources, such as rosehip borscht, for a distinct flavor.

Nutritional benefits
Meatball soup is not only tasty but also healthy. Beef is an excellent source of protein, while vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. Rice adds healthy carbohydrates, and herbs contain beneficial antioxidants. This dish is filling and nourishing, perfect for a family meal.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use pork, chicken, or even vegetarian minced meat for a meat-free version.

2. How can I make the borscht more sour?
If you like a more sour borscht, add more borscht or a few drops of white wine vinegar.

3. How long does the borscht last in the refrigerator?
Meatball soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat it whenever you want.

4. Can it be frozen?
Yes, meatball soup can be frozen. Make sure to put it in airtight containers and let it cool completely before freezing.

In conclusion, meatball soup is a versatile dish, full of flavors and nutritional benefits. Not only will it provide you with a delicious meal, but it will also bring a touch of nostalgia and comfort on chilly days. So, prepare the ingredients and enjoy this traditional recipe that will impress family and friends every time! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For meatballs: -500 g minced beef; -1 cup of rice; -2 eggs; -1 dried onion; -3-4 green onions; -dill and fresh parsley; -salt, pepper. For borscht: -2 carrots; -1 parsnip; -a slice of celery; -1 dried onion; -4-5 green onion stalks; -4-5 green garlic stalks; -1 l borscht; -200 ml tomato juice; -1 cup of rice; -dill, parsley, lovage; -1 sprig of fresh mint; -2-3 sprigs of wild thyme; -salt and pepper.