Meatball Soup

Meatball Soup Recipe: Delicious and Flavorful

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Meatball soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold day or when you are craving a warm and satisfying meal. This recipe combines flavorful meatballs with a variety of vegetables in a delicious broth that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Meatball soup has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Italy, where meatballs are a staple in Italian cuisine. Over time, different variations of meatball soup have been created, each with its own unique ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) ground chicken
0.5 lb (227 g) ground lean beef
10 cups water
1 tbsp annatto (also called achiote), optional, for coloring
1 bay leaf
1 small onion, chopped
0.5 cup green pepper, chopped
1 tsp mint
2 small tomatoes, chopped
0.5 tsp oregano
4 tbsp instant corn flour
0.5 tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 tsp salt
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 cups cabbage, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 package (10 oz (283 g)) frozen corn
2 medium zucchini, chopped
1 medium chayote, chopped (added zucchini can be used instead)
0.5 cup cilantro, minced

How to prepare

In a large pot, combine water, annato, bay leaf, half of an onion, green pepper, and 0.5 tsp of mint.
Bring to a boil.
In a bowl, combine chicken, beef, the other half of an onion, tomato, oregano, corn flour, pepper, garlic, and salt.
Mix well.
Form 1-inch meatballs.
Place the meatballs in the boiling water and lower the heat.
Cook over low heat for 30–45 minutes.
Add carrots, chayote, cabbage, and celery.
Cook over low heat for 25 minutes.
Add corn and zucchini.
Cook for another 5 minutes.
Garnish with cilantro and the rest of the mint.

Variations

You can add different vegetables such as potatoes, peas, or bell peppers to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the meatballs well before cooking to ensure they are flavorful.

- You can use a combination of ground chicken and beef for a more complex flavor.

- Be sure to cook the meatballs thoroughly to ensure they are cooked through.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in the soup to suit your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the meatball soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious meatball soup is to cook the meatballs slowly in the broth to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or pork instead of chicken and beef for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the meatball soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This meatball soup pairs well with a light and crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

25g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as iron and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the corn flour.

Summary

This meatball soup is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Meatball soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy a bowl of this hearty soup with your favorite bread or salad for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a simple yet comforting recipe caught my eye - Meatball Soup.

The recipe was handwritten on a yellowed piece of paper, stained with splatters of tomato sauce and broth. It was clear that this was a well-loved recipe, passed down through generations. The ingredients were simple - ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a mixture of herbs and spices. The instructions were straightforward, but the end result promised to be a hearty and delicious soup that would warm the soul on the chilliest of days.

I had never made Meatball Soup before, but I was eager to give it a try. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my kitchen, following the recipe to the letter. I mixed the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, shaping the mixture into small meatballs. I then browned the meatballs in a hot skillet before adding them to a pot of simmering broth, along with diced vegetables and a handful of pasta.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, filling my kitchen with the rich aroma of herbs and spices, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. I thought of my own grandmother, who had taught me so much about cooking and had instilled in me a love for simple, homemade meals. I remembered the hours we had spent together in her kitchen, chopping vegetables, stirring pots, and sharing stories.

As the Meatball Soup simmered, I couldn't resist sneaking a taste. The broth was rich and flavorful, the meatballs tender and juicy. The vegetables added a burst of color and freshness, while the pasta soaked up all the delicious flavors. I knew then that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Meatball Soup countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have added a pinch of this and a dash of that, experimenting with different herbs and spices to create my own signature version of the soup. But no matter how many times I make it, the dish always brings me back to that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe in my grandmother's old cookbook.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing it on to the next generation just as it was passed down to me. I have taught my own grandchildren how to make Meatball Soup, watching with pride as they shape the meatballs with their small hands and stir the pot with eager anticipation. And as we sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of soup together, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together, to nourish both body and soul.

In a world filled with fast food and convenience meals, it is easy to forget the joy of cooking from scratch, of taking the time to prepare a meal with love and care. But for me, making Meatball Soup is not just about feeding my body - it is about feeding my spirit, connecting me to my past and to the generations of cooks who came before me. And as I sit down to savor a bowl of soup that tastes like home, I am grateful for the legacy of recipes that has been handed down to me, and that I will one day pass on to those who come after me.