If you’re looking for a quick and comforting meal, a delicious vegetable soup with homemade minced beef balls is the perfect choice. This recipe is traditional yet easy to prepare, offering a nourishing blend of vegetables and flavorful meatballs that can warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this soup provides a healthy boost of vitamins and satisfaction.
Ingredients for 6 Persons
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 300 grams (10.6 oz) minced beef
- Paprika powder, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Pepper and salt, to taste
- 1200 ml (5 cups) water
- 2 vegetable stock cubes
- 250 g (8.8 oz) finely chopped soup vegetables (such as carrots, leeks, and celery)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup (113 g) butter
These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, making this recipe simple and accessible.
Preparation: Mixing the Minced Meat
Let’s start by preparing the beef balls. Mix the minced beef with a pinch of paprika powder, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Form the seasoned meat into small balls about the size of a cherry tomato. This step adds a burst of flavor to the soup and gives it a meaty, satisfying bite.
Sautéing the Onion and Vegetables
In a large soup pot, melt a knob of butter over medium heat. Chop the onion and add it to the pot, sautéing until it starts to turn golden brown. This step enhances the flavor of the soup and creates a delicious base. Add the finely chopped soup vegetables and cook them for about a minute to release their flavors.
Combining Ingredients and Cooking
Next, add 1200 ml of water and the two vegetable stock cubes to the pot. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the prepared beef balls to the soup. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is a meal in itself, but you can make it even more satisfying by serving it with crusty bread or a side salad. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth, and the salad provides a fresh contrast to the warm, hearty soup.
Why Homemade Vegetable Soup?
Homemade vegetable soup is a great way to control the ingredients and ensure you’re getting a nutritious, well-balanced meal. You can choose high-quality, fresh ingredients to make a soup that’s healthy, flavorful, and tailored to your taste.
Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preferences.
- Experiment with vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand to make the soup your own.
- Simmer for depth of flavor: Let the soup simmer longer for a richer, more intense flavor.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
This soup provides a good source of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, along with protein from the beef balls. It’s a satisfying and balanced meal that can be part of a healthy diet.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the beef balls and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein such as lentils or beans.
- Add pasta or rice: For a heartier soup, add cooked pasta or rice towards the end of cooking.
- Change up the seasonings: Add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra depth of flavor.
FAQs
1. What can I substitute for beef balls?
You can use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option. Alternatively, try plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian version.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make the soup vegetarian by omitting the beef balls and using plant-based protein sources like lentils or beans.
3. How long can I store leftover soup?
You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to three months.
4. What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, rolls, or a side salad pair perfectly with this soup. You could also serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combination.
5. Can I add more seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique flavor profile. Just remember to taste and adjust as you go.
Enjoy your quick basic vegetable soup with homemade minced beef balls! It’s a heartwarming dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
