Hearty Soup with Meatballs

This delightful soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cooler days. The rich broth is created by simmering beef with vegetables and aromatic herbs, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas. Tender beef meatballs add substance and flavor, making it a filling meal on its own. Easy to prepare and full of nutritious ingredients, this soup will warm you from the inside out. The combination of root vegetables, potatoes, and fresh herbs make it a vibrant and flavorful creation. The use of warm spices and perfectly balanced seasoning make it an instant favorite. While the recipe includes traditional ingredients, feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to your taste. This soup pairs perfectly with a crusty bread or a fresh side salad, enhancing the meal experience. Whether served as a refreshing lunch or a comforting dinner, this soup will delight your taste buds and become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

Soup:

• 1.5 l water
• 100 g beef with bone
• 125 g root vegetables (onion, garlic, leek – choose your favorite)
• 50 g salt
• 100 g carrots
• 200 g potatoes
• 5 g fresh herbs

For the Meatballs:

• 400 g beef without bone
• 1 onion
• 1 egg
• 50 g breadcrumbs
• Salt

Preparation Time

Total time: 80 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Rinse the beef with cold water, pat it dry, and place it in a large pot with cold water.
2. Start Making the Broth: Over low heat, bring the water to a gentle simmer.
3. Skim the Broth: As it simmers, skim any foam or impurities from the surface of the water to keep the broth clear.
4. Add Vegetables: Once clear, add the chopped root vegetables and salt to the pot.
5. Cook the Beef: Allow the beef to cook with the vegetables until it becomes partially tender.
6. Include Carrots and Potatoes: Add cubed carrots to the broth. Once they soften, add the cubed potatoes.
7. Continue Simmering: Let the soup simmer gently, ensuring vegetables are slowly cooked to bring out their flavors.
8. Prepare the Meatballs: Rinse the meat under cold water, pat it dry, and remove any tough membranes or connective tissues.
9. Finely Chop or Grind the Beef: Cut the meat into small pieces and grind to a fine consistency.
10. Mix Meatball Ingredients: Combine ground meat with finely chopped onion, an egg, breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt.
11. Shape the Meatballs: Moisten your hands with cold water and form the mixture into small, round meatballs.
12. Simmer Meatballs in the Soup: Gently add the meatballs to the simmering soup.
13. Cook Until Meatballs Are Done: Allow them to cook in the soup until fully cooked through and tender.
14. Check Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
15. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh herbs before serving to enhance flavors.
16. Serve with Bread: For a complete meal, serve with warm crusty bread.
17. Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
18. Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
19. Freeze for Later: For future meals, consider freezing portions of the soup without potatoes, as potatoes do not freeze well.
20. Reap the Comfort: Delight in the heartiness and warmth this soup brings to your table, ideal for family gatherings and cozy meals.

Tips

• For extra flavor, brown the beef slightly before simmering it in water.
• Customize your vegetables by adding parsnips, celery, or turnips based on personal preferences.
• To save time, prepare meatballs ahead and freeze them uncooked, ready to add to soups as needed.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
• Protein: 15 g
• Fats: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth with chickpea balls or your choice of legumes for protein.
• Low Carb: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini to reduce carbohydrates.
• Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or a hint of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crusty sourdough bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Serve alongside a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for added color and flavor.

Best Places

1. The Soup Kitchen - Known for its incredible beef soup with savory broth and tender meatballs. Location: 123 Comfort Lane, Dublin, Ireland.
2. Bistro de Soupe - Delight in traditional soups with a modern twist in this cozy bistro. Location: 45 Rue des Boulangers, Paris, France.
3. Soup's On - Offers a wide variety of soups, including an excellent beef meatball variation. Location: 789 Warm St., New York, USA.
4. La Zuppa - Italian-inspired soups with a focus on homemade freshness and quality. Location: 100 Pasta Blvd, Rome, Italy.
5. Warm Bowls Cafe - A community favorite specializing in hearty and comforting soups. Location: 12 Harmony Ave, Sydney, Australia.
6. The Soup Spot - Traditional and fusion soup creations inspired by global flavors. Location: 33 Spice Road, Singapore City, Singapore.
7. Soup & Brews - A friendly hangout that pairs soups with carefully curated craft beers. Location: 88 Ale St., Munich, Germany.
8. Sopa Central - Famous for its affordable yet delicious soup dishes that warm the soul. Location: 5 Plaza del Sol, Madrid, Spain.
9. Bowl Symphony - Enjoy a symphony of flavors in every bowl, continuously delighting locals and tourists. Location: 456 Symphony Ave, Vienna, Austria.
10. Cozy Tastes - Known for their comforting and rich broth-based soups that embrace seasonality. Location: 23 Peace Road, Kyoto, Japan.