Hearty Meatball Soup with Melted Cheese

This delightful and comforting dish blends the flavors of tender vegetables, savory meatballs, and creamy melted cheese into a hearty soup. Ideal for cold days, this soup fills the kitchen with warmth and inviting aromas. Fresh ingredients like potatoes, carrots, celery root, and onions come together to create a robust base. The addition of garlic and spices infuses the soup with a depth that's further enhanced by the creamy cheeses. Delicate, homemade meatballs add substance and a protein-rich element to the dish. Each spoonful brings a balance of textures and flavors, from the soft vegetables to the rich, cheesy broth. This soup is also quite versatile, allowing you to adjust the spices and add-ins to suit your personal taste. It's a family-friendly recipe that's easy to prepare despite its gourmet taste. Whether enjoyed as a main course or in smaller portions as an appetizer, this soup is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Potatoes: 4 medium-sized
• Carrots: 2 large
• Onion: 1 large
• Celery root: 1 small
• Melted cheese: 1 cup
• Dill: A small bunch, chopped
• Bouillon cubes or Vegeta: 2 cubes

For the Meatballs

• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Ground meat: 500g
• White bread: 1 slice
• Milk: 1/4 cup
• Egg: 1
• Pepper: To taste
• Salt: To taste

Preparation Time

• Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes, carrots, and celery root into small cubes. Chop the onion finely.
2. Start the Soup: Place the diced vegetables in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a gentle boil.
3. Cook the Vegetables: Let the vegetables simmer for about 30 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Make the Meatball Mixture: Soak the white bread slice in milk.
5. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground meat, minced garlic, soaked bread (squeezed of excess milk), egg, pepper, and salt.
6. Form Meatballs: Blend together and shape the mixture into small, even-sized balls.
7. Add Meatballs to Soup: Gently place the meatballs one by one into the simmering soup.
8. Cook Until Meatballs Float: Continue cooking until the meatballs rise to the surface.
9. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the melted cheese slowly, allowing it to dissolve into the broth for a creamy texture.
10. Season to Taste: Add bouillon cubes or Vegeta to enhance the flavor, adjusting to taste.
11. Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle in the chopped dill for a fresh and fragrant finish.
12. Final Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to meld.
13. Serve: Let the soup rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with bread.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use any type of cheese that melts well for a different flavor profile.
• Herb Variations: Try adding parsley or chives for different herbal notes.
• Meat Option: Substitute pork or turkey for a different meatball variety.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Fats: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 35g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace meatballs with vegetarian alternatives like tofu or chickpeas.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and ensure any bouillon or seasoning used is gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Sides: Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast.
• Pairings: A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables complements this hearty soup well.

Best Places

1. Cafe De La Creme - Known for cozy ambiance and flavorful soups. Location: 12 Rue de la Rose, Paris, France.
2. The Soup Kitchen - Specializes in hearty, home-style soups. Location: 65 Main St, Boston, USA.
3. Melted Dreams - Expertly crafted cheesy soups and more. Location: 23 High St, London, UK.
4. Supa Soups - Offers a variety of meatball soups with authentic spices. Location: 78 Albert Rd, Melbourne, Australia.
5. Bowl O' Comfort - Famous for their comforting soup selections. Location: 12 Baker St, Toronto, Canada.
6. La Zuppa - Experience Italian soups with a twist. Location: 90 Via Roma, Rome, Italy.
7. Tasty Scoops - Renowned for their range of creamy soups. Location: 34 Elm St, Christchurch, New Zealand.
8. Warm Spoon - Perfect for a quick, delicious soup fix. Location: 456 Maple Ave, Vancouver, Canada.
9. Brothy Delights - Offers diverse soup options with global flavors. Location: 7A Symphony Lane, Cape Town, South Africa.
10. Hearty Bowls - Celebrated for their rich and hearty soups. Location: 49 King St, Dublin, Ireland.