Sour meatball soup with borscht
Sour Meatball Soup with Borscht
Sour meatball soup with borscht is a classic recipe, loved by many, that evokes family memories and the comfort of home. This soup is not only nutritious but also full of flavors, making it perfect for cooler days. With a combination of fresh vegetables, tender meat, and a splash of sour borscht, each spoonful is an explosion of tastes that will delight you.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 400 g minced meat (a mix of beef and pork)
- 2 tablespoons of rice
- 2 white onions
- 1 red onion
- 2 bell peppers
- 2 carrots
- 1 small celery
- 2 eggs
- Fresh dill, to taste
- Fresh lovage, to taste
- ½ cup tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons winter vegetable mix (bell pepper, carrot, tomato juice in oil)
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- Salt, to taste
- Borscht, to taste
Preparation
1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing and peeling the vegetables. Use a large grater to grate the carrots, celery, and bell peppers. This will help them cook evenly and release their flavors into the soup.
2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add a little oil and sauté the grated vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft. This is when the flavors intensify.
3. Boiling the vegetables: After the vegetables have sautéed, add enough warm water to cover them. Let them simmer on low heat to retain their aroma and texture.
4. Preparing the meatballs: In a bowl, grate one onion and sauté it in a little oil. Add the 2 tablespoons of rinsed rice and let them sauté together for a few minutes. This step will give the meatballs an intense flavor.
5. Mixing the ingredients: In another bowl, add the minced meat, sautéed onion with rice, one beaten egg, and finely chopped dill. Season with salt and mix well until homogenous. The mixture should be slightly moist but not too sticky.
6. Forming the meatballs: Put a pot of water on the stove and add a pinch of salt. When the water is boiling, form small balls from the meat mixture, wetting your hands to prevent sticking. Boil the meatballs until they form and become firm, about 10-15 minutes.
7. Adding the meatballs to the soup: Once the meatballs are ready, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the pot with the soup. Add warm water if needed until you reach about 3 liters of liquid.
8. Seasoning the soup: Let the soup simmer with the meatballs for 10 minutes. Then, add the tomato juice and previously boiled borscht, adjusting the salt to taste. These ingredients will add a pleasant acidity and vibrant color.
9. Finalizing the dish: Simmer the soup on medium heat to avoid breaking the meatballs. When the rice in the meatballs is cooked, turn off the heat. Beat an egg in a small bowl with a ladle of soup, then gradually add it to the pot, stirring continuously to create a creamy texture.
10. Serving: Add finely chopped lovage on top of the soup and cover the pot to retain the aroma. Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.
Practical Tips
- Rice-free version: If you prefer a lighter soup, you can omit the rice from the meatball mixture. Personally, I like to add rice to the meatballs, but I always encourage those who want a lighter soup to skip it.
- Meat mixes: You can experiment with different meat combinations, such as turkey or chicken, to adapt the recipe to your preferences.
- Serving: Sour meatball soup pairs perfectly with a slice of freshly baked homemade bread or polenta. Additionally, a hot pepper or vinegar can add extra flavor!
Nutritional Benefits
Sour meatball soup is a balanced meal, rich in protein from meat and eggs, vitamins and minerals from vegetables. The borscht adds a note of acidity that aids digestion, and dill and lovage are full of antioxidants. A serving of soup can contain approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables are an excellent alternative and can save preparation time.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add a little cayenne pepper or hot pepper during cooking for an extra kick.
- Is the soup suitable for freezing? Yes, sour meatball soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to add fresh borscht only when reheating to preserve the flavor.
This recipe for sour meatball soup with borscht is easy to make and brings a unique flavor to your table. I encourage you to try it and share this traditional and flavorful delicacy with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 400g minced meat mix of beef and pork, 2 tablespoons of rice, 2 white onions, 1 red onion, 2 bell peppers, 2 carrots, 1 small celery, 2 eggs, dill, lovage - to taste, 1/2 glass of tomato juice, 2 tablespoons of winter vegetables (bell pepper, carrot, tomato juice in oil), 1 tablespoon of oil, seasoning or taste secret, vegeta, etc. - to taste
