Meatball Soup with Carrots and Peas
This delicious and hearty meatball soup with carrots and peas is a comforting dish perfect for any season. The soup combines juicy meatballs with a medley of fresh vegetables to create a nutritious and flavorful meal. The carrots provide a subtle sweetness, while the peas add a delightful pop of color and texture. This dish is not only nourishing but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner. The blend of spices enhances the flavor of the meatballs, making them tender and fragrant. The soup can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you're serving it as a starter or a main course, it's a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch of indulgence. Serve this warm and comforting soup to keep the chill at bay and to bring smiles to the dinner table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green peas
- Fresh herbs for garnish
For Meatballs
- 300-400 g ground meat
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- Pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Preparation Time
Total Time: 40 minutes (including prep and cook time)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Dice the carrots into small cubes and add them to the boiling water. Allow them to cook until they are halfway tender.
- While the carrots are cooking, prepare the meatball mixture. Combine the ground meat, egg, sour cream, pepper, salt, caraway seeds, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spatula until well incorporated. The mixture should be moist yet firm enough to hold together.
- Once the carrots are halfway cooked, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Shape the meatball mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering pot. Allow them to cook alongside the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes. The potatoes should become tender, and the meatballs should cook through.
- Add the green peas to the pot and let them cook for an additional five minutes.
- Season the soup with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Garnish the soup with freshly chopped herbs before serving.
- Serve the soup hot with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess and flavor.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider using beef broth instead of water.
- Substitute turkey or chicken for ground meat to make the soup lighter and leaner.
- Add more vegetables like celery or leeks for additional nutrients.
Variations
- To make it gluten-free, ensure that the spices and sour cream used are gluten-free certified.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meatballs with plant-based alternatives or lentils.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the soup with freshly baked bread or crusty rolls for a complete meal.
- Add a side of mixed greens or a simple salad for additional freshness.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fats: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
Best Places
La Soupe aux Célestins - A cozy restaurant known for its variety of soups. Location: 20 Rue Célestins, Lyon, France.
Soup Enzo - Offers a unique take on traditional soups with local ingredients. Location: 42 Baldwin St, Toronto, Canada.
Soup Kitchen International - Famous for its hearty and diverse soup menu. Location: 259A W 55th St, New York, USA.
The Soup Place - A delightful spot for classic and inventive soups. Location: 240 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, Australia.
Zur Heißen Kanne - Known for traditional German soups and stews. Location: 7 Untermarkt, Görlitz, Germany.
Le Soupe Concept - A unique café dedicated to soups from around the globe. Location: 23 Avenue Jean Medecin, Nice, France.
Soup Spoon Cafe - Offers a variety of comforting soups in a trendy setting. Location: 1419 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, USA.
Sopa Cafe - A charming spot with a focus on healthy soups and ingredients. Location: 77 Via Palazzi, Florence, Italy.
The Broth Co. - Specializes in hearty broth-based soups and stews. Location: 3802 Park Blvd, San Diego, USA.
South Bank Soup Kitchen - Known for its vibrant street-food style soups. Location: 16 Upper Ground, London, UK.