Meatball soup
Meatball soup is one of those recipes that reminds us of the flavors of childhood, family meals, and the warm comfort of a winter day. The rich flavors, fresh vegetables, and juicy meatballs make this soup a perfect choice for any occasion. Additionally, it is an easy-to-make recipe, full of nutrients and benefits.
Before we start cooking, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients and enjoy the preparation process. Meatball soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, thanks to the vegetables and the mixture of pork and beef, which provide essential proteins.
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 600 g minced meat (a mixture of beef and pork is ideal for a rich flavor)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (or grated)
- 2 eggs (to bind the mixture)
- 20 g flour (helps with consistency)
- 100 g rice (makes the meatballs firmer and more filling)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
For the soup:
- 2 large carrots (full of vitamins)
- 1/2 small celery (adds a sweet flavor)
- 1 parsley root (for aroma)
- 50 ml oil (for sautéing the vegetables)
- 1 onion (for the base)
- 1 red bell pepper (for color and taste)
- 5 small tomatoes (or 400 g canned peeled tomatoes)
- 800 g pork bones (without meat, for a rich stock)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (for serving)
For serving:
- Sour cream (optional, but recommended for extra creaminess)
- Lemon juice (to add a touch of freshness)
Preparation
1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Grate the carrots, celery, parsley root, and onion using a large grater. These vegetables will give the soup a wonderful flavor.
2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a larger pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the grated vegetables (carrots, celery, parsley, and onion) and let them sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft and aromatic.
3. Adding the bones: Place the pork bones in the pot, add about 3-4 liters of hot water, and cover with a lid. Let it boil for 10 minutes.
4. Adding the additional ingredients: After 10 minutes, add the diced bell pepper and the peeled tomatoes (sliced or chopped). Let it boil for 35 minutes. If foam forms on the surface, remove it with a skimmer. After 35 minutes, remove the bones from the soup. This will be your flavorful base!
5. Preparing the meatballs: In a bowl, mix the minced meat, onion, eggs, rice, flour, salt, and pepper. Knead the mixture well until it becomes homogeneous. It is important to achieve a fine texture for the meatballs.
6. Forming the meatballs: Prepare a bowl of water to ease the formation of the meatballs. Wet your hands and, using a spoon, take a portion of the mixture and form balls the size of a walnut. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot when adding them.
7. Cooking the meatballs: Place the meatballs in the hot soup, one by one, and let them boil for 10-12 minutes over medium heat. When the meatballs are ready, they will float to the surface. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking.
8. Finalizing and serving: Meatball soup is served hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley and a spoonful of sour cream on top. A drizzle of lemon juice will add a fresh and invigorating taste.
Practical tips
- Choosing the meat: A mixture of beef and pork offers a unique flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use chicken meat.
- Vegetarian version: You can turn the meatball soup into a vegetarian version by using vegetable and tofu meatballs while keeping the base vegetables.
- Storage: Meatball soup keeps well in the fridge, and the next day the flavor becomes even better as the flavors meld.
- Thickening the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a diced potato during the boiling process.
Nutritional benefits
Meatball soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The vegetables used provide a rich supply of antioxidants, while the pork and beef offer essential proteins for the body. A serving of meatball soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I substitute the pork bones with something else? Yes, you can use chicken bones or skip this step and use just water and vegetables for a vegetarian stock.
- Is meatball soup good for freezing? Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to avoid freezing the meatballs, as their texture may be affected upon thawing.
- What goes well with meatball soup? Meatball soup can be enjoyed with fresh bread or polenta, and a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade perfectly complements the meal.
Meatball soup is more than just a simple recipe; it is a part of culinary tradition, full of memories and flavors that unite us. So let’s enjoy every spoonful and let ourselves be carried away by this culinary journey!
Ingredients: For meatballs: 600g minced meat (mix of beef and pork), 1 onion, 2 eggs, 20g flour, 100g rice, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper. For soup: 2 carrots, 1/2 small celery, 1 parsley root, 50ml oil, 1 onion, 1 red bell pepper, 5 small tomatoes, 800g pork bones without meat, 1 bunch of parsley. For serving: sour cream and lemon juice.
