Meatball soup (10 servings)

Meatball Soup - A Traditional Recipe Full of Flavor and Comfort

Meatball soup is one of those dishes that reminds us of family meals, of moments spent around a rich table full of goodies. This recipe is not only simple but also steeped in tradition, bringing together simple yet tasty ingredients to create a comforting soup full of flavor. Ideal for cool days or to be served at a festive meal, meatball soup is versatile and can be adapted to individual preferences.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Necessary ingredients:

- 600 g minced chicken
- 1 whole egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 100 g rice
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 1/2 celery
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 parsnip
- 1 can of tomatoes in juice (400 g)
- 1 liter of borscht
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage

Preparation of meatball soup:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the minced chicken well, then let it drain. It is important to choose quality meat to obtain juicy and tasty meatballs. If you prefer, you can use pork or a mix of meats for a richer flavor.

2. Mixing the ingredients for the meatballs: In a large bowl, add the minced meat, whole egg, salt, pepper, and rice. It is recommended to use short-grain rice as it will cook evenly and help bind the meatballs. Mix the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. If you want to add extra flavor, you can include a few finely chopped lovage leaves in the mixture.

3. Shaping the meatballs: Wet your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking. Take a small portion of the meat mixture and form meatballs about 3-4 cm in diameter. Place them on a plate.

4. Preparing the vegetables: Clean and wash the vegetables: carrot, onion, celery, bell pepper, and parsnip. Cut them into small cubes. These will add extra flavor and texture to the soup.

5. Boiling the soup: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. When the water starts to boil, carefully add the shaped meatballs. It is important not to overcrowd them so they cook evenly. After adding the meatballs, remove the foam that forms on the surface – this step will make the soup clearer.

6. Adding the vegetables: After the meatballs have boiled for about 10 minutes, add the diced vegetables. Let everything simmer on low heat, covering the pot. This step will allow the flavors to combine and the vegetables to become tender.

7. Finalizing the soup: After the vegetables are cooked, add the canned tomatoes. These will not only enrich the soup's flavor but also give it a beautiful color. Let the soup boil for another 10-15 minutes.

8. Adding the borscht: Before adding the borscht, make sure to boil it separately. Then add it to the soup and let everything boil for another 5-10 minutes. The borscht will add a tangy flavor, typical of traditional soups.

9. Finishing with lovage: Before serving, add the freshly chopped lovage. This will give the soup a fresh aroma and enhance the flavor.

10. Serving: Meatball soup is served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can also add sour cream for extra creaminess if you like.

Useful tips:

- If you want a spicier soup, you can add chili or hot pepper during preparation.
- A vegetarian version can be made by replacing the meat with mushrooms or chopped vegetables, and rice can be added to maintain consistency.
- You can keep the soup in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze it to enjoy later.

Nutritional benefits:

Meatball soup is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken, and the vegetables used provide a significant amount of vitamins and minerals. A serving of soup contains approximately 250 calories, making it a filling and healthy option for lunch or dinner.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use beef instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use beef, but it will slightly change the flavor. Make sure to adjust the cooking time, as beef may require a longer time to become tender.

2. What other vegetables can I use?
You can add zucchini, green beans, or even potatoes, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I make the soup more tangy?
Instead of borscht, you can add lemon juice or vinegar, adjusting the amount according to your desired taste.

This meatball soup is a classic recipe that will always bring a smile to the faces of loved ones. I invite you to try it and enjoy every spoonful full of memories and flavors! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 600g ground chicken, one whole egg, salt, pepper, rice, carrot, onion, celery, bell pepper, parsnip, a can of tomatoes in broth, one liter of borscht, lovage