Vegetable soup with beef meatballs

Vegetable soup with beef meatballs – a recipe full of flavor and health

Welcome to the world of delicious soups! Today, I will present to you a classic recipe for vegetable soup with beef meatballs. This recipe will not only warm your soul but will also bring a touch of joy to every bowl. Soup is a dish that has traveled from generation to generation, being a source of nourishment and comfort for families. Whether you enjoy it on chilly winter days or on cool summer evenings, vegetable soup with meatballs is always an inspired choice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Essential ingredients for vegetable soup with meatballs:

- 1 large winter carrot, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 large bell pepper or a sweet pepper, chopped
- 2 handfuls of Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 handful of white cabbage, chopped
- 1 handful of red cabbage, chopped
- 1 stalk of celery, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2-3 tablespoons)
- Celery leaves, chopped (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh dill, chopped (2-3 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon
- 1 small can of tomato paste
- 250 grams of ground beef
- 1 egg
- Salt, pepper, hot paprika (to taste)
- 4 large tablespoons of whole grains (the kind used for children) or breadcrumbs

For serving:
- Fresh or pickled hot peppers
- Sour cream
- Chopped red onion (optional)

Step by step for a perfect soup:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing and cutting all the vegetables. This is an important step, as fresh vegetables will give the soup a wonderful taste. If you want to save time, you can prepare the vegetables in advance by chopping and freezing them for later use.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add a little olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic over low heat until translucent. Then, add the carrot, bell pepper, celery, and cabbage. Mix well and let the vegetables sweat for about 5-7 minutes until they release their delicious aromas.

3. Boiling the soup: Add water to the pot (about 2 liters) and let it boil. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes. This step is crucial to allow the vegetables to soften and create a rich soup base.

4. Preparing the meatballs: Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix the ground beef with the egg, salt, pepper, hot paprika, and whole grains (or breadcrumbs). Use your hands to form small meatballs, about a tablespoon each. I recommend making them well-seasoned, as this will add extra flavor to the soup.

5. Adding the meatballs: Once the vegetables have boiled, add the meatballs to the soup. Cover the pot and let it simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.

6. Finishing the soup: Add the fresh herbs (parsley, dill, celery leaves) and the dried tarragon, then the tomato paste. Mix well and let the soup sit on low heat for another 5 minutes. This will enhance the flavors and provide a pleasant texture.

7. Serving: Turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly. Serve hot, alongside sour cream and hot peppers. You can add chopped red onion for extra flavor. A slice of fresh bread will perfectly complete the meal.

Useful tips:

- Preparing in advance: As mentioned, you can prepare the vegetables in advance and freeze them. This way, you will always have fresh ingredients on hand for a quick soup.
- Customization: If you like to experiment, you can add other vegetables of your choice, such as zucchini or potatoes. These will add a different texture and unique flavor.
- Nutrition: Vegetable soup is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of vegetables used. The beef adds essential proteins, making this soup a complete meal.
- Calories: A serving of vegetable soup with meatballs has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream added. It is a healthy option for a nourishing meal.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Absolutely! You can adapt the recipe using ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- How can I make the soup more sour? If you prefer a tangier soup, you can add the juice of a lemon or a little white wine vinegar at the end.
- What other garnishes go well? Fresh bread is ideal, but you can also try croutons or savory crackers for a contrast of textures.

Cook with love and enjoy every spoonful of this vegetable soup with beef meatballs! Each serving is full of color, flavor, and, most importantly, love. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 large winter carrot, chopped 1 large onion 2 cloves of garlic 1 large bell pepper or a sweet pepper 2 handfuls of Brussels sprouts 1 handful of chopped white cabbage 1 handful of chopped red cabbage 1 stalk of chopped celery chopped parsley chopped celery leaves fresh chopped dill dried tarragon 1 small can of tomato paste 250 grams of minced beef 1 egg salt, pepper, hot paprika 4 large tablespoons of whole grains (the kind used with milk for children and more) or breadcrumbs hot peppers/sour cream, onion for serving