Meatball soup with cabbage juice

Meatball soup with cabbage juice is a traditional dish, loved by all who enjoy intense and comforting flavors. This recipe not only combines the ingredients in a delicious way but also brings a culinary story full of nostalgia, evoking moments spent with family at Sunday dinners. So, get ready to discover how to transform simple ingredients into a tasty and flavorful meal.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

The necessary ingredients for this meatball soup are:

For the meatballs:
- 1.2 kg minced pork (you can also use a combination with beef for a richer taste)
- 1 large onion, grated
- 2 and a half handfuls of rice (approximately 150 g)
- 1 egg (to bind the mixture)
- 2 heaping tablespoons of flour (to give consistency to the meatballs)
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the soup:
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 carrots (finely grated)
- 1 medium celery (finely grated)
- 2 handfuls of rice (approximately 150 g)
- 2 heaping tablespoons of pepper paste (for extra flavor)
- 400 ml tomato juice (or tomato puree, according to preference)
- Cabbage juice (depending on preference, more or less sour)
- Dried lovage (or fresh, according to preference)

Preparing the meatballs:
1. Start by preparing the meatballs. In a large bowl, add the minced meat, grated onion, rice, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Make sure all ingredients are well integrated.
2. Wet your hands with a little oil to form the meatballs. Use a spoon to take uniform portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to achieve the desired size balls. Place them on a plate.

Preparing the soup:
3. Clean the vegetables for the soup: onion, carrots, and celery. Finely chop the onion, and grate the carrots and celery.
4. In a large pot, heat a little oil and add the chopped vegetables. Sauté them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until they become slightly translucent. This will enhance the flavors.
5. Pour 2.5 liters of water into the pot and let it boil for 20 minutes.
6. Add the pepper paste and the rice for the soup. Let it boil for 10 minutes, during which the rice will start to swell and absorb the flavors of the vegetables.
7. Now is the time to add the meatballs. Carefully place them in the soup, making sure they do not stick to each other. Let them boil over medium heat for 30 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.
8. After the meatballs are cooked, add the tomato juice and let it boil for another 5 minutes. Depending on your preference for sourness, gradually add the cabbage juice, tasting along the way to achieve the desired flavor balance.
9. Finally, add the dried lovage and stir. If the soup is too thick, you can add warm water to adjust the consistency.

Useful tips:
- You can use chicken or turkey meat to make a lighter version of the meatballs.
- If you want a more intense flavor, try adding a few peppercorns or bay leaves during cooking.
- Meatball soup can be served with sour cream and fresh bread, and for an extra flavor boost, add freshly chopped hot pepper if you like it spicy.
- This soup is delicious the next day when the flavors have melded even better.

Nutritional benefits:
Meatball soup with cabbage juice is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Pork provides essential proteins, while the vegetables add fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet. Cabbage juice adds a supply of probiotics, beneficial for digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
1. How sour can the cabbage juice be?
It depends on personal preferences. Add gradually and taste until you reach the desired level of acidity.
2. Can I freeze the meatball soup?
Yes, it is an excellent recipe for freezing. Let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers and freeze.
3. What other spices can I use?
Besides lovage, you can try dill, parsley, or even a little thyme to add different flavors.

Conclusion:
Meatball soup with cabbage juice is not just a nourishing meal, but also a dish that brings family and friends together. The joy of savoring a steaming bowl of soup with loved ones is priceless. Experiment with the ingredients, adapt the recipe to personal tastes, and turn every meal into a memorable feast. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: -1,200kg ground pork-1 onion for soup-1 large onion for meatballs-2 carrots-1 medium celery-2 handfuls of rice for soup-2 and a half handfuls for meatballs-1 egg for meatballs-2 tablespoons of flour for meatballs-salt for meatballs-pepper for meatballs-2 tablespoons of pepper paste-tomato juice (each adds as much as desired)-cabbage juice (each adds according to how sour they want it)-lovage (I have dried lovage)