Meatball Soup(SHOURABAT El Qeema)

Meatball Soup (SHOURABAT El Qeema) Recipe from Kuwait

Region / culture: Kuwait | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Meatball Soup, also known as SHOURABAT El Qeema, is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This Middle Eastern inspired soup is packed with flavor and is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Meatball Soup has been a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is a comforting and nourishing meal that is often enjoyed during the winter months. The combination of meatballs, spices, and broth creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

2.5 cups of ground lean meat
4 lb (1.81 kg) of cubed soup meat
Several soup bones
0.5 cup of samneh, or other shortening
1.5 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of pepper
3.25 tsp of cinnamon
0.25 cup of chopped parsley
0.5 cup of tomato juice, or
1 tbsp of tomato paste and half cup of water
5 cups of cold water

How to prepare

Grind the meat several times.
Mix the meat well with salt and pepper.
Shape the mixture into balls the size of marbles and brown them in hot fat.
Bring the soup bones and meat to a boil with water in a pressure cooker.
Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
Cook under pressure for 20 minutes.
Add the meatballs, rice, and tomato juice.
Cook under pressure for an additional 10 minutes.
Remove the bones.
Add parsley and cinnamon just before serving.
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.

Variations

You can add diced vegetables such as carrots, celery, and potatoes to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
You can 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. This will help to seal in the flavor and prevent them from falling apart.

- Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface of the soup while cooking to ensure a clear and clean broth.

- Adding cinnamon and parsley at the end of cooking will enhance the flavor of the soup and give it a fresh and aromatic finish.

Serving Suggestions

Meatball Soup can be served with a side of warm pita bread or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Pressure cooking is the preferred method for making Meatball Soup as it helps to lock in the flavors and cook the meatballs and soup meat quickly and efficiently.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have samneh, you can use butter or vegetable oil as a substitute. You can also use ground lamb or a combination of ground meats for the meatballs.

Make Ahead Tips

Meatball Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Meatball Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of yogurt for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Meatball Soup pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cup of hot tea. It can also be served with a side of hummus and pita bread for a complete Middle Eastern meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Meatball Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Meatball Soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Meatball Soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Meatball Soup contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Meatball Soup contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Meatball Soup is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains meat and may not be suitable for those with meat allergies.

Summary

Meatball Soup is a nutritious and filling dish that is rich in proteins and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Summary

Meatball Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this Middle Eastern inspired soup is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Meatball Soup, or as we call it in Arabic, SHOURABAT El Qeema. It was a cool autumn day, and I was visiting the bustling market in the heart of Damascus, Syria. The air was filled with the delicious scents of spices and fresh produce, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement as I wandered through the narrow alleys.

As I perused the various stalls, my eyes were drawn to a small, elderly woman selling an array of herbs and spices. She had a weathered face, lined with wrinkles that spoke of a lifetime of toil and hard work. Intrigued by her assortment of ingredients, I struck up a conversation with her, hoping to learn more about the flavors of my homeland.

To my delight, the woman revealed that she was a renowned cook in her village, and she graciously offered to share one of her most cherished recipes with me - Meatball Soup. I listened intently as she described the ingredients and the method of preparation, my mouth watering at the thought of tasting the savory dish.

The next day, I set to work in my own humble kitchen, armed with the knowledge imparted to me by the kind woman in the market. I carefully selected the freshest ingredients, from the succulent ground lamb to the fragrant parsley and mint. As I mixed the meat with aromatic spices and shaped it into small, tender meatballs, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and connection to my culinary roots.

The soup simmered on the stove, filling my home with a tantalizing aroma that transported me back to the bustling streets of Damascus. I ladled the steaming broth into bowls, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. As I took my first sip, I was overwhelmed by the comforting flavors of the dish - the rich broth, the tender meatballs, and the subtle hint of spices that danced on my tongue.

From that moment on, Meatball Soup became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I served it to family and friends, who marveled at the depth of flavor and the warmth it brought to their souls. Each time I made the dish, I felt a deep sense of gratitude towards the kind woman in the market who had shared her recipe with me, allowing me to carry on the tradition of Syrian cuisine in my own home.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe for Meatball Soup, adding my own unique touches and variations to make it truly my own. But no matter how many times I make it, the dish always brings me back to that fateful day in the market, when a chance encounter with a stranger changed the course of my culinary journey forever.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on the countless meals I have prepared and the countless memories I have shared with loved ones over a steaming bowl of Meatball Soup, I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude. For in that simple recipe lies a piece of my heritage, a connection to my past, and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together in joy and love.