Meatball soup

Meatball soup is a traditional recipe, full of flavor, that reminds us of family meals from childhood. This soup not only combines the flavors of fresh ingredients but also the warmth and love with which it is prepared. Although it may seem like a laborious process, with a few tricks and tips, you'll achieve a delicious soup that will impress anyone.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 500g pork belly (you can also use veal or chicken, depending on your preference)
- 500g minced meat (pork or a mix of pork and beef)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for color)
- 1 hot pepper (optional, for an extra kick)
- 1 small celery (or a piece of root celery)
- Greens (parsley and celery leaves)
- 1 liter of sour borscht (you can also use vinegar borscht, to taste)
- 1 can of tomatoes in juice (or fresh, pureed tomatoes)
- 2 medium potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of rice (long-grain rice for better texture)
- 1 egg (to bind the meatball mixture)

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the pork belly. Wash it well and cut it into pieces. Then, blanch it in a pot of salted water for 5-10 minutes. This step helps remove impurities and excess fat. After blanching, drain the water, wash the pork belly and pot, then add cold water to boil it again.

2. When the water starts to boil, add the finely chopped vegetables. I recommend grating the carrot and celery to better integrate them into the soup. You can chop the onion into small cubes and add the bell pepper, creating a rich aroma.

3. After about 20 minutes, when the meat is almost cooked, add the pureed tomatoes and quartered potatoes. The potatoes add a pleasant texture and make the soup more substantial.

4. Meanwhile, prepare the meatballs. In a bowl, mix the minced meat with finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, a little thyme, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, the egg, and rice. Use your hands to mix the ingredients well. This will add a personal touch and extra flavor.

5. When the soup reaches boiling point, add the separately boiled borscht. This will give a pleasant acidity to the soup. Then, using a spoon, form the meatballs and carefully place them in the pot.

6. After adding the meatballs, let the soup simmer for another 15-20 minutes. During this time, the flavor will become richer. Finally, taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, and, if desired, a little more borscht.

7. Before serving, add the freshly chopped greens. This will give a vibrant look to your soup and enhance the flavor.

Serving:
Meatball soup is served hot, ideally with a slice of fresh bread, spread with butter. If you like a bit of spice, you can also add some freshly chopped hot pepper on top. A glass of white wine or a cold beer can be the perfect choice to accompany this dish.

Useful tips:
- You can replace the pork belly with chicken for a lighter version of the soup.
- If you don't have borscht, you can opt for lemon juice or vinegar, but add them carefully, so they don't overpower the flavors.
- The soup tastes even better the next day, when the flavors have had time to meld.

Nutritional benefits:
Meatball soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Pork provides essential proteins, while the vegetables bring important vitamins and minerals. A serving of soup contains approximately 300-350 calories, making it an excellent choice for a hearty meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with beef or chicken, depending on your preferences.
- How can I make the soup spicier?
By adding more hot pepper or spices like chili or paprika.
- Can I make the soup in advance?
Sure! Meatball soup keeps very well in the refrigerator and can be frozen.

This meatball soup recipe is not just a simple meal but a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. So, put on a smile and prepare this delight that will fill your home with enticing aromas! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500g pork ribs, 500g minced meat, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 hot pepper, 1 small celery, greenery (parsley and celery), 1L borscht, 1 can of tomatoes in juice, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons rice, 1 egg, 2 potatoes

 Tags:  rib ground meat borscht vegetables