Meatball soup

Meatball soup is one of those dishes that reminds us of the abundant meals of our childhood, full of flavors and delights. This recipe is a classic variant, but with a little twist, inspired by the Gabitza method, where the meatballs are boiled separately to achieve a clearer and more aromatic broth. Let's see how we can prepare a delicious meatball soup, full of flavor and health!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

- 1 chicken breast (or pork, beef, according to preferences)
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley root or parsnip
- 1/2 celery
- 2 bell peppers (red, green, or a mix)
- 4 tablespoons of tomato juice
- 1 small cup of rice (about 100 g)
- 1 egg
- Cabbage juice (to taste)
- Fresh tarragon
- Fresh lovage
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt
- Pepper

Steps for preparation

1. Preparing the meatballs
Start by finely chopping the chicken meat using a food processor or a sharp knife. Mix the meat with a beaten egg, a good handful of washed rice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It is important to mix well until the composition becomes homogeneous, so the meatballs have a pleasant texture.

2. Forming the meatballs
Moisten your hands with water to avoid sticking. Form small balls from the meat mixture – these will float nicely in the soup. Set them aside and prepare a pot of salted water, which you will place on the heat.

3. Boiling the meatballs
When the water starts to boil, carefully add the meatballs. Let them boil over medium heat and remove the foam that forms on the surface. This step is essential to achieve a clear and tasty soup.

4. Adding the vegetables
After the meatballs have risen to the surface, add the onion and the other finely chopped vegetables: carrots, parsley or parsnip, celery, and bell peppers. These will not only add flavor but also vibrant colors to your soup.

5. Final boiling
Let everything boil for 10-15 minutes, then add the remaining washed rice. This will make the soup even more nourishing. After the rice is cooked, add the tomato juice and cabbage juice, adjusting the amount according to your personal preferences. Taste and adjust the salt, keeping in mind that the cabbage juice may already be salty.

6. Finalizing the flavors
After the soup has boiled, add the finely chopped tarragon and lovage. These herbs will give a special taste to your soup.

7. Serving
Serve the soup hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley and, for an extra kick, you can add sliced hot peppers. This soup is perfect alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta.

Useful tips

- Meat variant: If you want a heartier version, you can use pork or beef. Chicken meat offers a lighter and healthier broth.
- Vegetables: You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, to make the soup richer.
- Cabbage juice: Make sure the cabbage juice is not too salty, to avoid getting a soup with an overpowering salt taste.
- Serving: Meatball soup is delicious the next day as well, and the flavors intensify. It can be stored in the refrigerator and easily reheated.

Nutritional benefits

Meatball soup is an excellent nutritional choice. It provides protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the rice, and plenty of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It is a balanced, hearty meal, ideal for a cold day. A serving of meatball soup has about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use store-bought ground meat for the meatballs?
Yes, but make sure to choose quality meat without additives or preservatives.

- How can I make the meatballs fluffier?
Adding a bit of breadcrumbs or cooked rice can make the meatballs fluffier and easier to digest.

- Is meatball soup suitable for vegans?
No, but you can adapt the recipe using tofu or seitan for the meatballs and vegetables for the base.

Meatball soup is more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience that combines tradition with innovation. By preparing this recipe, you will not only create a delicious dish but also evoke beautiful memories, enveloping yourself in the warm aroma of home. In the end, don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones, so they can also enjoy the taste of a traditional meatball soup!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken breast, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 1 parsley or parsnip, 1/2 celery, 2 bell peppers, 4 tablespoons of tomato juice, 1 cup of rice, 1 egg, cabbage juice (to taste), tarragon, lovage, parsley, salt, pepper

 Tags:  meatballs rice cabbage juice