Hearty Beet Frikadelle Soup
This vibrant and flavorful beet frikadelle soup combines the earthiness of beets with the comforting taste of meatballs, creating a truly unique and satisfying dish. The vibrant red color from the beets lends the soup a beautiful hue, while the combination of vegetables and spices provide depth and complexity to the flavor profile. It is a wholesome meal that’s perfect for chilly days, offering nutritious benefits like vitamins and minerals. This dish brings together a medley of textures, from the tender meatballs to the soft, simmered vegetables. It’s not only a treat for the taste buds, but also a feast for the eyes. This soup is a wonderful way to showcase the humble beet in an exciting and delicious manner. An easy-to-make dish, it’s ideal for both family dinners and entertaining guests. With minimal cooking time, it’s a convenient choice for weeknight meals. Serve it with fresh crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500g ground meat
- 400g beets
- 5 potatoes
- 1 onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 carrot
- 1/2 bell pepper
- 1 egg
Spices and Sauces
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 bouillon cube
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the **ground meat**, **egg**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Mix well and add any additional spices as desired for extra flavor.
- Form the meat mixture into small, round **frikadelle (meatballs)**, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and place the meatballs in the boiling water. Allow them to simmer for **25-30 minutes** until cooked through.
- Peel and cut the **potatoes** into bite-sized pieces. After the meatballs have cooked for 25-30 minutes, add the potatoes to the pot.
- In a separate pan, heat a drizzle of oil and sauté the **onion**, **bell pepper**, **garlic**, and **carrot** until they are soft and fragrant.
- Grate the cooked **beets** and add them to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Add the sautéed vegetable mix to the soup pot, stirring gently to integrate all the flavors.
- If preferred, you can change the water in the pot after the meatballs have released their juices, although this step is optional.
- Simmer the soup for the remaining cooking time, ensuring all ingredients are fully cooked and tender.
- Adjust seasonings to taste, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy!
Tips
- Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef.
- Flavor enhancements: Adding fresh herbs like dill can brighten the flavors.
- For a vegetarian option: Replace meatballs with plant-based alternatives.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 20g
- Fats: 15g
- Carbs: 35g
Variations
- Incorporate lentils for added protein and texture.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Add a dollop of sour cream to each serving for a creamy finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm, crusty bread.
- A fresh green salad complements the richness of the soup.
- A sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley as a garnish enhances the aroma.
Best Places to Try Frikadelle Soups Worldwide
- Café Landwer - Offers cozy ambiance with delicious soups. Location: 165 University Ave, Toronto, Canada.
- Riga Central Market - Experience affordable, traditional Latvian soups. Location: Nēģu iela 7, Riga, Latvia.
- Cafe GUM - Get hearty dishes in a historical setting. Location: Red Square, 3, Moscow, Russia.
- Marta - Known for gourmet twists on classic soup recipes. Location: 29 E 29th St, New York, USA.
- Cafe Pushkin - Offers an opulent dining experience. Location: Tverskoy Blvd, 26А, Moscow, Russia.
- Borsch Cafe - Specializes in savory borscht variations. Location: Piotrkowska 138, Łódź, Poland.
- Cafe de Mollen - Combines local flavors in a charming setting. Location: Molesingel 30, Tienhoven, Netherlands.
- Cafe Latvia - Serves hearty, traditional Latvian dishes. Location: Gertrudes iela 9, Riga, Latvia.
- Old Town House - Rustic venue with an extensive soup menu. Location: Castle street, Edinburgh, UK.
- Chayki - Russian-inspired cuisine with classic soups. Location: Al. Jerozolimskie 123, Warsaw, Poland.