Meatball soup

Meatball soup is a beloved traditional dish that brings comfort in every bowl. This recipe, full of flavors and textures, not only satisfies hunger but is also an excellent source of nutrients. Preparing it can become a true family tradition, bringing generations together at the table.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 250 g minced pork (you can also use a mix of pork and beef for a more complex flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, grated or diced
- 1 parsley, finely chopped
- 2 eggs (one for the meatballs, one for the sour cream mixture)
- 200 g sour cream (preferably with a higher fat content for a creamy texture)
- 1 tablespoon vegeta (or to taste)
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
- Dried lovage (to taste)
- Dried tarragon (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon magic bors (or to preference)
- 4 l water

Step by Step

1. Preparing the soup base
Start by boiling 4 liters of water in a large pot. When the water begins to boil, add the chopped onion, carrots, and parsley. These vegetables will not only provide a special flavor but also a vibrant color to your soup.

2. Adding the bell pepper
After the vegetables have boiled for 5-10 minutes, add the red bell pepper. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

3. Preparing the meatballs
In a bowl, mix the minced meat with 1 egg, vegeta, and pepper. It is essential to mix the composition well to achieve fluffy meatballs. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and form meatballs of suitable size, about 2-3 cm in diameter.

4. Adding the meatballs to the soup
When the vegetables are half-cooked, carefully add the meatballs to the pot. Make sure they are evenly distributed to cook uniformly. Let them simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Don't forget to stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

5. Enhancing the flavor
After 20 minutes, check if the meatballs are cooked (they should be fluffy and fully cooked). Add vegeta and pepper to taste. Here, you can adjust the spices according to your personal preferences.

6. Preparing the sour cream mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolk with the sour cream. Add 2 ladles of soup to the mixture, stirring constantly to prevent the egg from curdling. This is a crucial technique to achieve a creamy and rich soup.

7. Finalizing the soup
Add the sour cream mixture to the pot with the soup, stirring carefully. Then, add the magic bors, lovage, and dried tarragon to taste. Let it come to a final boil, then turn off the heat.

Serving

Serve the meatball soup hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons. A handful of freshly chopped parsley on top will add a splash of color and flavor.

Tips and Practical Advice

- Meat variation: You can experiment with different types of minced meat, such as chicken or turkey, for a lighter version of the soup.
- Additional vegetables: Add zucchini or potatoes to enrich the soup and give it a more varied texture.
- Bors: If you don't have magic bors, you can use classic bors or lemon juice to add acidity.
- Alternative serving: For an extra flavor boost, try serving the soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few slices of lemon.

Nutritional Benefits

Meatball soup is an excellent source of protein and vitamins, thanks to the vegetables and meat. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, and parsley provides a dose of vitamin C. This recipe offers about 300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used and the servings served.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use beef instead of pork?
Absolutely! Beef will provide a different but equally delicious flavor.

- How long can I keep the soup?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for later use.

- How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a chopped hot pepper or a pinch of chili flakes during cooking.

Now that you have all this information, you are ready to prepare a delicious and comforting meatball soup. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: ground pork 250 g 1 onion 1 red bell pepper 2 carrots 1 parsley 2 eggs 200 g sour cream vegeta, pepper lovage, tarragon 1 tablespoon of magic borscht

 Tags:  soup meatballs ground meat vegetables