Red soup with chicken meatballs

Meatball soup with tomato broth: a comforting and flavorful recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Meatball soup is a traditional dish that combines the fresh flavors of vegetables with the tenderness of meat, providing a nourishing and comforting meal. This simple recipe, featuring tomato broth, is perfect for chilly days when we're looking for something warm and hearty. Additionally, it's an excellent opportunity to use seasonal fresh vegetables and add a personal touch through ingredient variations.

Ingredients:

For the soup:
- 2 carrots
- 1 slice of celery
- 1 onion
- Leek and parsley leaves (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper paste (optional, for those who prefer a spicy note)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup tomato broth (preferably homemade for an authentic taste)

For the meatballs:
- 500 g chicken breast (pork or beef can also be used, depending on preferences)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
- 1/2 onion
- Pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Leek and parsley leaves (for added flavor)

Step by step to a delicious soup:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling and washing the vegetables. Cut the carrots and celery into large pieces, and the onion in halves. These will be chopped using an immersion blender, making the process quick and efficient.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Use the immersion blender to chop the vegetables. Make sure not to chop them too finely, as we want to maintain a pleasant texture in the soup.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the oil and let it heat up. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté them lightly, stirring constantly. This step will intensify the flavors and provide a delicious base for the soup.

4. Adding the spices: After a few minutes of sautéing, add the paprika and hot pepper paste. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly, and the aroma will become truly tempting.

5. Adding water: Carefully pour 1.5 liters of hot water into the pot, preferably pre-boiled in a kettle. This will help maintain the high temperature of the soup from the start.

6. Preparing the meatballs: In a bowl, cut the chicken breast into small pieces. Add the onion, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Using the immersion blender again, mix the ingredients until you get a homogeneous mixture, but don’t overdo it – we want soft and fluffy meatballs.

7. Forming the meatballs: Wet your hands with water (a bowl of water nearby will be helpful) and form small balls from the meat mixture. Make sure they are not too large, so they cook evenly.

8. Boiling the meatballs: Once the water in the soup starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Carefully add the meatballs to the soup, letting them boil for 7-10 minutes. Be careful not to overboil them to prevent them from breaking apart.

9. Finishing the soup: When the meatballs are almost done, add the tomato broth. Allow the soup to come to a boil again, then adjust the taste with salt and pepper, to your liking.

10. Serving: Once the soup is ready, serve it hot, sprinkled with fresh parsley and leek leaves. You can add a dollop of light sour cream for extra creaminess or a slice of lemon for a tangy contrast.

Practical tips:
- You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to diversify the flavors and texture of the soup.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mix of vegetables and rice or tofu.
- Meatball soup can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, and the taste gets even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.

Nutritional benefits:
Meatball soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the varied ingredients. Carrots provide a significant amount of beta-carotene, and parsley is rich in vitamin C. This soup is not only delicious but also healthy, making it ideal for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use pork or beef for the meatballs?
- Absolutely! You can adapt the recipe according to your preferences, being careful to adjust the cooking time if you use fattier meat.

2. How can I keep the soup longer?
- Meatball soup keeps well in the fridge, but you can freeze individual portions to enjoy it later.

3. What side dishes go well with meatball soup?
- A slice of fresh bread or warm polenta are excellent alongside meatball soup.

This meatball soup recipe with tomato broth is not only easy to prepare but also full of flavor and warmth, perfect for gathering the family around the table. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the preparation and add a personal touch to make this soup a truly special dish! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 2 carrots, 1 slice of celery, 1 onion, leaves of leek and parsley, 2 tablespoons of oil, 1/2 teaspoon of red paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper paste, salt, 1 cup of tomato broth [homemade] Meatballs, 500 g chicken breast, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of breadcrumbs, 1/2 onion, pepper, salt, leaves of leek and parsley.

 Tags:  red soup with chicken meatballs soup meatballs chicken meat soups meatball soup borscht