Meatball soup cooked in an Express Cooker

Meatball Soup Cooked in an Express Cooker

Meatball soup is one of those comfort food recipes that reminds us of family meals filled with warmth and joy. Made with simple ingredients but rich flavors, this soup is perfect for warming hearts and bringing a smile to the faces of loved ones. And the good news? With the help of an Express Cooker, you can prepare it faster and easier, without having to stand by the pot all the time.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 500 g minced meat (mix of pork and beef)
- 80 g rice (preferably long grain)
- 2 eggs
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 100 g celery, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1.5 l water
- 1 cup tomato juice (or blanched and chopped fresh tomatoes)
- 0.5 l borscht (already boiled)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lovage, for serving

Preparing the meatballs:
1. Start by preparing the meatball mixture. In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the rice, chopped onion, eggs, and fresh dill. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
2. Wet your hands with cold water to prevent the mixture from sticking and shape into balls about 3 cm in diameter.

Preparing the soup:
3. Chop the carrots, celery, and bell pepper into small cubes. These vegetables will not only enhance the flavor of the soup but also give it a pleasant texture.
4. In the Express Cooker, add the 1.5 l of water and the chopped vegetables. Put the lid on and plug the device in. Select the 'Soup' program and let it run for 30 minutes.

Adding the meatballs:
5. After the program has finished, carefully open the lid, being cautious of the hot steam. Add the formed meatballs to the soup along with the tomato juice. If using fresh tomatoes, make sure they are blanched and peeled to avoid bitterness.

Finishing the soup:
6. Put the lid back on and let the soup simmer with the meatballs until the program is complete. This will take a few minutes, but the aroma will be absolutely delicious.
7. After the program is done, add the boiled borscht. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, then taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.

Serving:
8. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh lovage over the meatball soup. This will add a touch of freshness and enhance the flavors.
9. Serve the soup hot, accompanied by a slice of fresh bread or crispy croutons. You can also add a splash of sour cream if you desire extra creaminess.

Tips and useful advice:
- To make softer meatballs, you can add a teaspoon of oil to the meat mixture.
- If you prefer a more tangy soup, adjust the amount of borscht to taste. You can also add a splash of white wine vinegar for extra acidity.
- A delicious variation of this recipe is to replace the rice with quinoa for a healthier option.

Nutritional benefits:
Meatball soup is an excellent source of protein due to the meat and eggs. The vegetables add fiber and essential vitamins, making it a nutritious and hearty dish. This recipe has approximately 350 calories per serving, depending on the amount of meat and borscht used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken for the meatballs?
Yes, chicken is an excellent option. Make sure to use fattier cuts, like thighs, to keep the meatballs tender.
2. How can I store the soup for longer?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It is recommended to consume it within 2 days for the best flavors.
3. What other ingredients can I add to the soup?
You can experiment with various vegetables, such as zucchini or potatoes, and you can add spices like paprika or parsley.

Meatball soup cooked in an Express Cooker is a recipe that combines tradition with modern technology, offering you a delicious and healthy meal in a very short time. So enjoy this simple and quick recipe and share it with your loved ones!