Meatball soup

Meatball soup is a classic recipe, full of memories and flavors that embrace you with every spoonful. It is a dish that often takes us back to family meals, warm smiles, and joyful moments spent with loved ones. Today, I want to share with you my mother's meatball soup recipe, which has always brought me comfort on less sunny days. Let's embark together on this culinary journey!

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

For the soup:
- 4-6 medium potatoes
- 4 onions
- 2 carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 400 ml tomato paste
- 1 liter bors (preferably from Knorr for a consistent taste)
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of delicat
- 2 tablespoons of oil (for sautéing the vegetables)

For the meatballs:
- 500 gr ground meat (mix of pork and beef)
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup of rice
- 2 tablespoons of semolina
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
The first step in making meatball soup is to ensure we have all the ingredients ready. Chop the onion finely (I prefer to use a blender to save time), dice the potatoes and bell pepper, and grate the carrot. This combination of vegetables will give the soup a rich aroma and delicious taste.

Step 2: Boiling the vegetables
In a large pot, add 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the grated carrot, bell pepper, and diced potatoes. Cover the pot and let the vegetables cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help release the flavors and give the soup a more intense taste.

Step 3: Adding the paste and bors
Once the vegetables have started to soften, add the tomato paste and bors. This will bring a pleasant acidity to the soup and give it a vibrant color. Let everything simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

Step 4: Preparing the meatballs
While the vegetables are boiling, we can prepare the meatballs. In a large bowl, mix the ground meat with the eggs, rice (which has been soaked in water for 10 minutes), semolina, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. It is important to mix the ingredients well until you get a homogeneous mixture. The semolina will help achieve tender meatballs, and the rice will add a pleasant texture.

Step 5: Shaping the meatballs
Once the mixture is well combined, shape the meatballs to your desired size (usually about the size of a golf ball) and place them on a platter or a wooden board. Make sure to shape the meatballs with wet hands to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Adding the meatballs to the soup
After 10-15 minutes of boiling the vegetables, carefully add the meatballs to the pot. They will start to float to the surface, a sign that they are ready. Let them boil for another 10-15 minutes, stirring gently to avoid breaking them.

Step 7: Finalizing the soup
Finally, taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper. Add the chopped fresh lovage, which will bring a fresh aroma and a note of freshness.

Serving
Meatball soup is delicious served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can add a teaspoon of sour cream for a creamy touch, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top will make the dish look wonderful.

Practical tips
- Tomato paste: Choose a quality paste, as it will influence the final taste of the soup.
- Bors: You can use fresh homemade bors, but the store-bought version is also a good choice to save time.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables based on your preferences, such as celery or zucchini.

Calories and nutritional benefits
Meatball soup is an excellent choice for a healthy meal. A serving contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the exact amounts of ingredients used. It is rich in protein from the meat and eggs, fiber from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the rice, making it a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken meat? Of course! You can adapt the recipe using chicken for a lighter version.
- How long can I keep the soup? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze it, but it is recommended to add the fresh meatballs after thawing.
- Is the soup spicy? Meatball soup is not spicy, but you can add hot peppers or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier taste.

Conclusion
Meatball soup is more than just a dish; it is a tradition, a memory, and a source of comfort. This simple and delicious recipe will make you feel at home, no matter where you are. So put on your chef's clothes, wear a smile on your face, and let the flavors take you on a culinary journey full of joy! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g mixed pork and beef; 2 teaspoons of semolina; 3 eggs; 1 cup of rice; ground pepper; thyme; salt and pepper; delicate; mild borscht; 4 onions; 2 carrots; 1 red bell pepper; 4-6 medium potatoes; tomato paste; parsley; lovage.