Meatball soup

Meatball Soup: A Traditional and Comforting Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Meatball soup is a classic dish of Romanian cuisine, perfect for chilly days or for moments when we want to indulge in something tasty and nourishing. This simple and quick recipe will transform basic ingredients into a delicious meal full of flavors. Follow the steps below and prepare a meatball soup that will delight the whole family.

Ingredients:

For the soup:
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 large onion
- 1 bell pepper (optional)
- 2-3 potatoes
- 1 liter of water or chicken broth
- 400 g canned tomatoes
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 1 bunch of thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced meat (pork, beef, or a combination)
- 100 g rice
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Wash and peel the vegetables. Cut the carrots, parsnip, onion, bell pepper, and potatoes into small cubes. These will add not only flavor but also texture to the soup.

2. Boiling the vegetables: In a large pot, add one liter of water or chicken broth and put it on the heat. When the water starts to boil, add the chopped vegetables. Let them boil over medium heat until they become slightly soft, about 15-20 minutes.

3. Preparing the meatballs: In a bowl, combine the minced meat with the washed and drained rice. Add the beaten egg, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix the composition well to obtain a homogeneous paste. Form meatballs the size of a golf ball.

4. Adding the meatballs to the soup: Once the vegetables are almost cooked, reduce the heat to low. Carefully add the meatballs to the pot, one by one. They will rise to the surface as they cook.

5. Finalizing the soup: After about 10 minutes of adding the meatballs, add the canned tomatoes. Adjust for salt and pepper. Let it come to a boil, then add the thyme sprigs and chopped greens. These will add a fresh and aromatic flavor to your soup.

6. Serving: Meatball soup is delicious both hot and at room temperature. Serve it with a slice of fresh bread and, for those who love spicy, add hot peppers to the table!

Useful tips:

- If you want a lighter version, you can use minced chicken or turkey.
- Substitute rice with quinoa or bulgur for a healthier approach.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to diversify the taste.
- The soup can be kept in the fridge and is even better the next day when the flavors have blended perfectly.

This meatball soup recipe is not only a comforting dish but also a perfect opportunity to gather the family around the table. Whether you serve it with hot peppers or plain, this soup will surely be a delight! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Meatballs: 400g minced meat mix, 2 tablespoons of rice, 1 egg, salt, pepper. Vegetables for the soup: 1 large onion, 1 carrot, 1 parsnip, 1 small celery root, 1 medium-sized potato, 1/2 red bell pepper, greens, thyme, parsley, tomatoes in broth.