Meatball Soup

🥄 Welcome to the Comfort of Meatball Soup!

Hello, fellow food lovers! Today, we’re diving into the heartwarming world of Meatball Soup. This delightful dish is not only a staple in many households but also brings a sense of nostalgia for many who grew up enjoying it. If you’re looking to warm your soul and satiate your cravings, you’re in the right place!

Meatball Soup

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Author: anna
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Healthy

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Description

A comforting and hearty Meatball Soup recipe loaded with flavor, perfect for cozy nights.

Instructions

In a bowl, combine ground beef, parsley, garlic, onion, egg (if using), breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, paprika, and tomato paste. Mix until combined.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
Remove meatballs, and in the same pot, sauté chopped carrots, celery, and garlic for about 5 minutes.
Pour in broth, add canned diced tomatoes, and stir in bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the browned meatballs back into the pot along with green beans (if using) and let simmer on low for about 20-30 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning; remove bay leaf before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute ground meat with plant-based meat and use a flax egg. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor, and lemon zest adds brightness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Understanding the Soul of Meatball Soup

🌍 Cultural Background

Meatball Soup is a dish that varies from culture to culture. From Italian minestrone to Eastern European kapusniak, this comforting meal brings together the wholesome goodness of meatballs and flavorful broth. It’s a dish that really showcases the beauty of simple, hearty ingredients coming together to create something unforgettable.

🥘 A Personal Touch

I remember my grandmother making this soup every Sunday when I was a child. The rich smell of simmering meatballs filled the house, enticing everyone to gather around the dining table. Not only was it a meal, but it turned into happy moments spent together, sharing stories and laughter. So, let’s evoke those memories as we make our own!

Ingredients to Prepare This Comforting Recipe

🍽️ Essential Ingredients

To prepare this comforting recipe, you’ll need:

Ground beef: 1 pound (can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter option)
Fresh parsley: ¼ cup, finely chopped
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
Egg: 1 large (optional: can use a flax egg for a vegan option)
Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if necessary)
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
Paprika: 1 teaspoon
Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
Carrots: 2, chopped
Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
Vegetable or chicken broth: 6 cups
Canned diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can
Green beans: 1 cup, chopped (optional)
Bay leaf: 1
Olive oil: for browning

🌱 Optional Substitutions

If you have common dietary restrictions, here are some substitutions that can help:

Ground Meat: Use plant-based ground meat to make this dish vegetarian or vegan.
Egg: Substitute with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water, mix and let it sit for 5 minutes).
Broth: Use low-sodium broth to reduce salt intake.

Preparing the Flavorful Meatball Soup

🍲 How to Make Meatball Soup

Follow these steps to create your own delicious Meatball Soup:

Mix the Meatballs:
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, parsley, garlic, onion, egg (if using), breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, paprika, and tomato paste. Mix until well combined.
Form the Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate and set aside.
Brown the Meatballs:
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. This should take 5-7 minutes. Don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked; they will finish cooking in the broth.
Sauté Vegetables:
- Remove the meatballs and set them aside. In the same pot, add the chopped carrots, celery, garlic, and any other vegetables you’re using. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften.
Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, add the canned diced tomatoes, and stir in the bay leaf. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
Simmer and Cook:
- Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the pot. If using, stir in the green beans. Allow the soup to simmer on low for about 20-30 minutes, uncovered. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serve Up:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

🍴 Helpful Tips for Making Meatball Soup

🌟 Enhancements

Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme can be added for an aromatic touch.
Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest can brighten up the flavors.
Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, if desired.

🍽️ Cooking Tips

🔪 Equipment Suggestions

Sauté Pan: Using a large sauté pan for browning meatballs helps retain moisture.
Soup Pot: A sturdy pot is essential for even cooking; a Dutch oven works wonders.

🍲 Serving Suggestions

🥗 Complementary Dishes

Meatball soup pairs beautifully with:

Crusty Bread: A side of fresh bread is perfect for dipping.
Salads: A simple arugula salad adds a refreshing crunch.

🍷 Beverage Pairing

Pair your Meatball Soup with a glass of red wine or a sparkling water with lemon to complement the flavors.

📊 Nutritional Information

🍽️ Short Nutritional Overview

This classic dish is packed with protein and vitamins thanks to the meat and vegetables, making it a healthy and filling option.

🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 350
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 600mg
Potassium: 800mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 25%
Vitamin C: 15%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 15%

This dish is rich in protein due to the meatballs and features nutritious vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Storage and Leftovers

🥡 Refrigerate

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

🔥 Reheat

To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave for a quick reheat!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

👩‍🍳 Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a plant-based option work great.

🥬 What if I want a thicker soup?

You can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender to add thickness without losing the chunky texture.

🚫 What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs can work, just remember that they are more potent, so use about 1/3 of the amount you would use with fresh.

🥘 Related Recipes

🌟 Conclusion

I hope you’re excited to try making Meatball Soup! It’s a wonderful way to bring comfort and joy to your kitchen. Please let me know how it turns out for you. I’d love to hear about your variations or any special memories you have with this dish!