Cabbage and Meatball Soup

Cabbage and Meatball Soup

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork (or a combination)
  • 1/2 cup uncooked rice (optional, for a more filling meatball)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Soup:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill or 2 tablespoons fresh dill (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh dill or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, uncooked rice (if using), diced onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs (if using), thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
   • Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Set aside.
2. Cook the Soup Base:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes until it begins to soften.
3. Add Liquids and Flavor:
   • Pour in the diced tomatoes, broth, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
   • Add the bay leaves, paprika, dill (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer.
4. Cook the Meatballs in the Soup:
   • Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the rice inside (if used) is tender.
   • Stir occasionally to make sure the meatballs cook evenly and do not stick to the bottom of the pot.
5. Finish and Serve:
   • Once the meatballs are cooked through, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
   • Remove the bay leaves from the soup.
   • Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has a generous amount of meatballs and cabbage.
   • Garnish with fresh dill or parsley.

Tips:

• You can add other vegetables such as carrots or celery to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
• For a richer flavor, you can use a mixture of beef and pork for the meatballs.
• This soup pairs well with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Cabbage and Meatball Soup!