Meatball soup

Meatball Soup – A Delicious Tradition in Every Spoon

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8

Meatball soup is one of those recipes that brings back memories of family meals, the enticing aromas from the kitchen, and the warm moments spent with loved ones. This soup is not just a meal, but a story, a symbol of hospitality and culinary traditions. The juicy meatballs, fresh vegetables, and the inviting aroma of borscht blend perfectly, offering a comforting and flavorful dish.

Basic ingredients:

- 500 g chicken meat (preferably breast or boneless thighs)
- 1 fresh egg
- 2 medium onions
- 1 carrot
- 100 g celery (about one stalk)
- 1 parsnip (optional, but recommended for flavor)
- 100 g tomato paste (or tomato puree)
- 100 g rice (preferably long-grain)
- 1 l borscht (or to taste)
- thyme, pepper, paprika, salt (to taste)
- fresh lovage and parsley (for garnish)
- 3 tablespoons oil (for sautéing)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the meatballs:
- Start by finely chopping the chicken meat. If you have a food processor, it will make the job easier.
- In a bowl, combine the minced meat with one egg, a grated onion, and a little salt and pepper. Mix well so that all ingredients are combined.
- Add the washed rice under a stream of cold water to the meat mixture. The rice will absorb some of the soup's juices and add a pleasant texture to the meatballs.
- Form medium-sized balls, about the size of a walnut, and set them aside on a plate.

2. Boiling the vegetables:
- In a large pot, add about 3 liters of water and bring it to a boil. When the water starts to boil, add the carrot, celery, parsnip cut into large pieces, and a whole onion (which will be discarded after boiling).
- Let the vegetables boil for 10-15 minutes until they become slightly soft.

3. Adding the meatballs:
- Carefully add the formed meatballs to the pot, taking care not to break their shape. Let them boil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until they rise to the surface.

4. Finalizing the soup:
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove the carrot, celery, and parsnip from the pot. These will be chopped and sautéed, then added to enhance the soup's flavor.
- In a pan, heat the 3 tablespoons of oil and sauté the boiled vegetables cut into cubes, adding the tomato paste. Stir until all the flavors combine.
- Add the sautéed vegetable mixture to the pot with the soup and let everything boil for a few minutes.

5. The borscht and spices:
- In another pot, bring the borscht to a boil. When it boils, add it to the soup to taste. Let the soup boil for a few minutes, then adjust the salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped lovage and parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

6. Serving:
- Serve the meatball soup hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream for a creamier taste.

Useful tips:

- Ingredients: Using chicken makes the soup lighter, but you can substitute with beef or pork if you prefer. A combination of meats can add depth to the flavors.
- The rice: Make sure to wash it well before adding it to the meat mixture to remove excess starch. This will help avoid overly sticky meatballs.
- Variations: You can experiment with different vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini. You can also add spices like smoked paprika or dill to give the soup a flavorful twist.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of meatball soup contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It provides a good source of protein from the meat and rice, as well as vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How long can I keep meatball soup in the fridge?
Meatball soup can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days, but it is recommended to reheat it before consuming.

2. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, meatball soup can be frozen. Make sure to portion it into sealed containers and let it cool completely before freezing.

3. What side dishes pair best?
Fresh bread or polenta are excellent side dishes. Additionally, a pickled hot pepper can add an extra flavor.

Meatball soup is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary journey that connects us to traditions and loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a comforting meal, every spoonful will bring a smile to your face and those around you. I encourage you to discover the magic of this recipe and personalize it to your taste!

 Ingredients: 500 g chicken meat, 1 egg, 2 onions, 1 carrot, 100 g celery, 1 parsnip, 100 g broth, 100 g rice, thyme, pepper, paprika, salt, lovage, parsley, 3 tablespoons oil, 1 l borscht

 Tags:  soup meatballs ground meat bors