Hearty Meatball Soup

This delightful and hearty meatball soup combines tender vegetables and flavorful spices to create a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. It features succulent minced meat balls cooked in a savory, aromatic broth seasoned with bay leaves, pepper, and garlic. The robust flavor comes to life with the addition of potatoes, carrots, and onions, making it a filling and nutritious option. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this soup is both easy to prepare and budget-friendly. The blend of spices enhances the taste, while the fresh ingredients ensure a wholesome experience. This recipe offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust seasonings to your taste preference. Garnished with fresh cream, the soup is guaranteed to win over both children and adults alike. This simple yet satisfying dish brings warmth and joy to any dining table, promising a meal that's hearty and heartwarming.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

400 g minced meat
3-4 potatoes
4-5 carrots
2-3 onions
2-3 liters of water

Spices and Sauces

Salt
Pepper
Bay leaves
A few cloves of garlic
Cooking oil

Preparation Time

30 minutes total (including preparing and cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

First, gather all necessary ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
Chop the onions finely, grate the carrots, and peel and dice the potatoes as you proceed. This method saves time.
In a pot, dissolve the minced meat in 2-3 liters of cold or lukewarm water to prevent lumps. This quantity varies according to your preference for soup thickness.
Start boiling the meat. Meanwhile, in a small amount of oil, sauté the grated carrots, adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
Simultaneously, in another pan, sauté the onions until they are golden. Keep an eye on the boiling meat, stirring occasionally to break any remaining lumps.
Prepare the spices separately by simmering them in water with salt for about an hour, allowing their flavors to infuse, then strain through a sieve.
Once the meat starts boiling, add the sautéed onions and carrots to the pot, along with the pre-prepared spice infusion or spice sachet as preferred.
Next, taste the broth and adjust the salt as necessary for optimal flavor.
Maintain a gentle boil for approximately 5-7 minutes, and in the meantime, peel and chop the potatoes.
Transfer the potatoes into the pot and continue cooking until they are tender. Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
This soup is often served plain, though some enjoy it with cream. Experience reveals it’s rich enough to enjoy without any garnish.

Tips

Substitute minced chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Use a low-sodium chicken stock instead of water to deepen the flavor.
If you're a fan of spice, add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 250 per serving
Protein: 15g
Fats: 10g
Carbohydrates: 25g

Variations

Consider adding diced tomatoes or celery for additional flavors.
For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or chickpeas.
Enhance with herbs like thyme or parsley for an aromatic twist.

Serving Suggestions

Accompany this soup with a fresh crusty bread or garlic toast.
Pair with a light green salad to balance the robust flavors.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for extra nutrition.

Best Places

Soup Kitchen International - An iconic spot known for its wide variety of hearty soups. Location: 259 W 55th St, New York, USA.
La Soupe Populaire - Offers a gourmet twist on traditional soups. Location: Prenzlauer Allee 242, Berlin, Germany.
Soup Bowl Bistro - A beloved eatery serving comfort food with local ingredients. Location: 177 Cuban St, Melbourne, Australia.
Bouillon Pigalle - Parisian bistro famous for classic soups. Location: 22 Boulevard de Clichy, Paris, France.
The Soup Peddler - Known for creative and health-conscious soups. Location: 4631 Airport Blvd, Austin, USA.
Broth Bar - Specializes in nutrient-rich bone broths and soups. Location: 5 Market Lane, Melbourne, Australia.
Slurpudetto Soup Kitchen - Offers a rich variety of homemade soups. Location: Rua 25 de Abril, Lisbon, Portugal.
Soup Culture - Innovative soups served in bread bowls. Location: Piotrkowska 18, Łódź, Poland.
Little Soup Kitchen - Cozy spot with daily fresh soup specials. Location: 8 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, Paris, France.
Arbow Soup - Features international soup flavors. Location: 18 Connor St, Toronto, Canada.