Meatball Soup I

Meatball Soup I Recipe from Sweden with Potatoes and Peas

Region / culture: Sweden | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender meatballs with a savory broth and hearty vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.

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. The addition of vegetables and broth to create a soup version of this classic dish is a modern twist that adds even more flavor and texture to the dish.

Ingredients

1 egg
2 cups half-and-half cream, divided
1 cup soft breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
1.75 tsp salt, divided
1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef
1 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
0.75 tsp beef bouillon granules
0.5 tsp pepper
0.13-0.25 tsp garlic salt
3 cups water
1 lb (454 g) red potatoes, cubed
1 package frozen peas, thawed

How to prepare

In a bowl, beat an egg and add 0.33°C of cream, bread crumbs, onion, and 1 tbsp of salt.
Add beef and mix well.
Shape the mixture into 0.5 inch balls.
In a pan, brown the meatballs in butter, half at a time.
Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
Drain the excess fat from the pan.
To the pan, add flour, bouillon, pepper, garlic salt, and the remaining salt.
Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth.
Gradually stir in water and bring it to a boil, stirring often.
Add potatoes and meatballs to the pan.
Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 25 minutes.
Stir in the peas and the remaining cream, and heat it through.

Variations

Add different vegetables such as carrots, celery, or green beans.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the meatballs before adding them to the soup to add extra flavor.

- Be sure to stir the soup often while it is simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve Meatball Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meatballs before adding them to the soup adds extra flavor.

- Simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the soup.

- Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

Meatball Soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Meatball Soup with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Meatball Soup with a light and crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Meatball Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 400 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Meatball Soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream) and wheat (breadcrumbs).

Summary

Meatball Soup is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Meatball Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With tender meatballs, savory broth, and hearty vegetables, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Meatball Soup. It was a cold winter day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that had belonged to my great-grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, a faded bookmark fell out, revealing a handwritten note scrawled in elegant cursive.

The note read, "Meatball Soup I - a family favorite passed down through generations. A comforting and hearty dish that warms the soul on chilly days." Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

I gathered the ingredients listed in the recipe: ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, parsley, garlic, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, and a few secret spices. As I mixed the meatball mixture together, memories of my great-grandmother flooded my mind. She was a wonderful cook who always had a pot of soup simmering on the stove.

I shaped the meatball mixture into small balls and carefully browned them in a skillet, filling the kitchen with the delicious aroma of sizzling meat. In a large pot, I sautéed the vegetables until they were soft and fragrant, then added the chicken broth and spices.

Once the broth came to a simmer, I gently dropped the meatballs into the pot, watching as they bobbed and floated to the surface. I let the soup simmer for a while, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich, savory broth.

When it was time to serve, I ladled the steaming soup into bowls and garnished each one with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The first spoonful brought a rush of warmth and comfort, just as the note had promised.

I couldn't help but smile as I savored each spoonful, knowing that I had stumbled upon a true gem of a recipe. This Meatball Soup I was a testament to the love and care that had been passed down through my family for generations.

As I enjoyed my bowl of soup, I couldn't help but think of all the other recipes that were waiting to be discovered in that old cookbook. Each page held a story, a memory, a piece of my family's history just waiting to be brought to life in my kitchen.

And so, I resolved to continue exploring and experimenting with new recipes, honoring the traditions and flavors of those who came before me. With each dish I cooked, I felt a connection to my past and a sense of pride in carrying on the culinary legacy of my family.

As I finished the last spoonful of soup, I knew that this recipe for Meatball Soup I would always hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just a dish; it was a reminder of the love, the laughter, and the joy that filled my family's kitchen for generations.

And so, I closed the old cookbook, feeling grateful for the treasure trove of recipes it held. With a full belly and a happy heart, I knew that I would always cherish the memories and traditions that had been passed down to me through the simple act of cooking a delicious meal.