Quick meatball soup

Quick meatball soup: a comforting delight for any time of the day

Meatball soup is one of those dishes that evokes pleasant memories, often associated with family meals or moments of culinary indulgence. Our recipe is perfect for days when time is limited, but the desire to enjoy a warm and nourishing meal is at its peak. Moreover, it is a simple recipe that can be adapted to everyone's taste. Let's discover together how we can prepare this delicious soup step by step.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients

- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 bag of frozen vegetables for meatball soup (about 400 g)
- 4 tablespoons couscous
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 700 ml tomato juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cube of chicken and lovage broth
- 700 g minced meat (a combination of pork and beef is ideal)
- 20 g rice
- 1 egg
- 1 bunch of parsley, finely chopped
- 500 ml borscht or lemon juice, to preference
- 1 bunch of lovage, chopped for garnish

Preparing the soup

1. Sauté the onion: Start by adding 2-3 tablespoons of oil to a large pot. Add the sliced green onion and sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent. This step will add a delicate and aromatic flavor to the soup.

2. Add water and vegetables: After the onion has sautéed, add 2 liters of water and bring to a boil. Then, add the frozen vegetables and diced potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and the broth cube. These ingredients will contribute to a rich and comforting flavor.

3. Simmer: Once the mixture has boiled a few times, put the lid on the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This way, the vegetables will release their flavors into the soup and become tender.

Preparing the meatballs

4. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, well-washed rice, egg, and chopped parsley. If you feel the mixture is not seasoned enough, add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

5. Form the meatballs: Wet your hands with water to avoid sticking. Form medium-sized meatballs, round in shape, with a diameter of about 3 cm.

6. Boil the meatballs: In a separate pot, add salted water and a little oil. When the water starts to boil, add the meatballs. Let them boil until they start to float, which means they are ready. Remove them with a slotted spoon and add them to the vegetable soup.

Finalizing the soup

7. Add the tomato juice and couscous: After the meatballs have been added, let the soup boil for a few minutes. Then, pour in the tomato juice and add the couscous. This will absorb the flavors of the soup and provide an extra texture.

8. Finish the dish: Let the soup boil for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. At the end, check the taste and adjust with salt, pepper, borscht, or lemon juice, to preference.

9. Serving: The meatball soup is served hot, garnished with finely chopped lovage. For an extra creaminess, don't forget to add a spoonful of sour cream on top. It is a delicious combination that blends flavors and textures.

Useful tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of minced meat (chicken, turkey, or even lamb for a more distinct taste). You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to diversify the recipe.
- More sour soup: If you prefer a sourer soup, you can add more borscht or lemon. This will give a refreshing taste and balance the flavors.
- Parsley and lovage: Using these fresh herbs not only enhances the flavor but also adds a boost of vitamins and antioxidants to the dish.
- Serving: Serve the soup alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta for a complete and nourishing lunch.

Nutritional benefits

Meatball soup is an excellent nutritional choice, being rich in protein due to the meat and rice, as well as vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It is a balanced meal that will provide you with the energy needed for the whole day.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables, but you will need to cook them a little longer to soften.

2. How long can I keep the soup in the fridge?
The soup can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it well.

3. Can I freeze meatball soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to do so without couscous to avoid an unpleasant texture when defrosting.

Quick meatball soup is a classic dish, perfect for any occasion. With these detailed instructions and useful tips, you are on your way to becoming a master of meatball soup. So put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and enjoy a warm and comforting meal!

 Ingredients: 2 green onions, 1 bag of frozen vegetables for meatball soup (Casa Taraneasca), 4 tablespoons of couscous, 2 potatoes, 700 ml of tomato juice, salt, pepper, 1 cube of chicken vegeta with lovage, 700 g of mixed minced meat, 20 g of rice, 1 bunch of parsley, 1 egg, 500 ml of borscht or lemon juice, 1 bunch of lovage.

 Tags:  meatball soup vegetables meatballs