Soup with meatballs

Soup with meatballs is a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for a cozy meal. Here’s a recipe for a classic Italian-style meatball soup:

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 cup small pasta (e.g., orzo, ditalini) or rice
• 2 cups chopped spinach or kale (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
   • Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

2. Cook the Meatballs:

   • Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil if needed and cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set them aside. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point as they will cook further in the soup.

3. Sauté Vegetables:

   • In the same pot, add the olive oil (if needed) and sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

4. Add Broth and Tomatoes:

   • Stir in the dried basil and thyme, then add the diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer:

   • Once boiling, reduce the heat and return the meatballs to the pot.
   • Simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

6. Add Pasta or Rice:

   • Add the small pasta or rice and cook according to package instructions, typically about 10 minutes. If adding greens, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

7. Season and Serve:

   • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

This meatball soup is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly day. It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs, so feel free to adjust it to your taste! Enjoy!