Fish meatball soup
Fish Meatball Soup
Fish meatball soup is a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for days when you crave something warm and full of flavor. This soup is not only an excellent way to use leftover fish from the freezer, but it is also a healthy choice due to the fresh and nutritious ingredients. Offering you a tasty meal without filling the house with frying odors, this recipe is ideal for any occasion.
Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 300 g fish fillet (of your choice: cod, trout, salmon)
- 1 egg
- 1 green onion + 1 white onion
- 3 carrots
- 1 celery or 1/2 smaller celery
- 2-3 medium potatoes
- 4 tablespoons rice (preferably long grain)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- A handful of fresh parsley
- A handful of fresh lovage
- 1 can of diced tomatoes or 200 g of tomato paste
- Juice from 1-2 pickled hot peppers or lemon/borș juice (to sour the soup)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for sautéing
Necessary Utensils
- Food processor
- A large pot for soup
- Wooden spoon
- Skimmer
- Grater (for carrots)
Preparing the Fish Meatball Soup
Step 1: Preparing the Fish
Start by taking the fish fillet out of the freezer and letting it thaw. Once completely thawed, remove any remaining bones with tweezers. This step is essential to ensure that the soup will be pleasant and free of unpleasant surprises.
Step 2: Preparing the Meatball Mixture
In the food processor, combine the fish fillet with two green onion stalks and a handful of fresh parsley. Chop everything finely until you obtain a smooth paste. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, then add the egg, the two tablespoons of boiled and drained rice, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you have a homogeneous composition, then shape medium-sized meatballs.
Step 3: Cooking the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat a little oil and add the finely chopped white onion, grated carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Add water until the vegetables are covered, then let it boil.
Step 4: Adding the Ingredients
After the vegetables have boiled for about 10 minutes, add the remaining washed rice and diced potatoes. Continue to boil everything over medium heat until the potatoes are nearly cooked, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
Step 5: Cooking the Meatballs
When the potatoes are almost done, add the shaped meatballs to the soup with a spoon. Add the canned tomatoes or tomato paste, and let the soup boil for another 5-7 minutes. The fish cooks quickly, so there’s no need to leave it on the heat for too long.
Step 6: Souring the Soup
Finally, sour the soup with the juice from the pickled hot pepper (or lemon juice, as preferred) and adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serving
Once the soup is ready, add a handful of chopped lovage and parsley for a fresh flavor. Serve the soup hot, alongside sour cream and fresh hot peppers, for an extra burst of flavor.
Practical Tips
- Choosing the Fish: You can use any type of fish you prefer or fresh fish. Cod and trout are excellent choices due to their firm texture.
- Vegetarian Option: If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the fish with tofu or finely chopped vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Finding Bones: Make sure you have removed all bones from the fish, as they can ruin the delicate texture of the soup.
- Sour Soup: If you prefer a more sour soup, you can add borș instead of the pepper juice for a more pronounced taste.
Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A serving of fish meatball soup has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the type of fish used. This soup is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables and fish, and the omega-3 intake from fish contributes to heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, frozen fish is perfect for this recipe. Make sure it is completely thawed before use.
2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add more hot pepper juice or even chili flakes during cooking.
3. What else can I add to the soup?
You can add zucchini, peas, or green beans for an extra boost of nutrients and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons. Additionally, a glass of white wine or herbal tea can complement the meal excellently.
Fish meatball soup is not only a delicious dish but also an inspired choice for a healthy meal. Enjoy every bite and experiment with various ingredients to create your unique version! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: fish over 1 egg green onion + 1 white onion 3 carrots celery a few potatoes 4 tablespoons of rice 2 tablespoons of flour parsley and green lovage canned tomatoes or tomato paste sour pickled pepper juice or lemon juice, borscht (to sour the soup)
