Meatball soup with walnut

The walnut meatball soup is a traditional dish, particularly savory, that combines the fine texture of the meatballs with the aromatic taste of vegetables. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also transform an ordinary meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. Preparing this soup will bring not only an enticing aroma to your kitchen but also a warm atmosphere filled with stories. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the soup:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 parsnip, finely chopped
- 1 parsley root, chopped
- 1 piece of celery (about 100g), chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 tablespoons of rice
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable seasoning (or salt, to taste)
- 1 cup of broth
- 1 heaping teaspoon of borscht (or to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil
- water, enough to cover the ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 5 tablespoons of ground walnuts
- 5 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
- 4-5 tablespoons of puffed rice
- 1 small onion, sautéed
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 beaten egg
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of paprika

Preparation of the walnut meatball soup

1. Preparing the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This is the aromatic base of your soup.

2. Adding the vegetables: Next, add the sliced carrots, parsnip, parsley root, and celery. Mix well and let the vegetables soften for another 5 minutes. This step will enhance the flavors and make the soup tastier.

3. Boiling the soup: Add water to the pot, enough to cover the vegetables, and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, add the broth, vegetable seasoning, and rice. Let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are cooked.

Preparation of the meatballs

4. Mixing the ingredients for the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground walnuts, breadcrumbs, puffed rice, sautéed onion, chopped dill, and beaten egg. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are homogeneous.

5. Forming the meatballs: With oiled hands, form small meatballs, about the size of a walnut. It is important to have slightly moist hands to facilitate shaping and avoid sticking the mixture.

Finalizing the soup

6. Adding the meatballs: When the vegetables are cooked, carefully add the meatballs to the soup, one at a time. They will rise to the surface as they cook.

7. Final cooking: Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked (check if they are well done inside). Then, add the borscht and chopped parsley, stirring gently. Let it boil for another 2 minutes.

8. Serving: The walnut meatball soup is now ready to serve! You can garnish it with a little fresh parsley on top and accompany it with a slice of fresh bread.

Useful tips

- Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the egg in the meatballs with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of chickpea flour and water. This will give consistency and bind the ingredients without using eggs.
- Enhancing flavors: You can also add other spices to enrich the soup's flavor, such as a pinch of turmeric or a splash of lemon for a fresher taste.
- Replacing walnuts: If you don't have walnuts, you can use ground almonds or sunflower seeds for a different taste.

Nutritional benefits

The walnut meatball soup is an excellent nutritional choice. It contains protein from walnuts and rice, vitamins and minerals from vegetables, and is low in calories. A serving of soup may have about 200-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This is an ideal meal to be served on cool days, with the ability to warm both body and soul.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I keep the soup?
The soup can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I freeze the walnut meatball soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to freeze only the soup without meatballs. The meatballs may become soft after thawing. Add the meatballs after you have thawed the soup.

What drinks pair well with walnut meatball soup?
A walnut meatball soup pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade. Additionally, a light beer can complement the flavors well.

Personal note

This walnut meatball soup recipe was passed down to me by my grandmother, who used to make it on cool autumn days. I fondly remember the smell of sautéed vegetables that filled the entire house. Each bite brings not only an explosion of flavors but also beautiful memories. I encourage you to add your personal touch, perhaps with a secret ingredient or your favorite spice. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the soup: 1 onion, 2 carrots, 1 parsnip, 1 root parsley, a piece of celery, 1 red pepper, 3 tablespoons of rice, chopped parsley, vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons, 1 cup of broth, 1 teaspoon of sour cream. For the meatballs: 5 tablespoons of ground walnuts, 5 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, 4-5 tablespoons of puffed rice, 1 small sautéed onion, chopped dill, 1 beaten egg, salt, pepper, paprika.