Thick Lentil Soup with Meatballs

Thick Lentil Soup with Meatballs is a comforting and hearty dish that not only warms you up on cold days but also provides a nutritious meal packed with flavor. The combination of tender meatballs, hearty vegetables, and protein-rich lentils creates a satisfying bowl of goodness that the whole family will love. Discover how to make this delicious soup step by step!

Ingredients

  • 300 g mletého hovädzieho mäsa
  • 1 ks menšia cibuľa (nadrobno)
  • 2 lyžice surovej guľatozrnnej ryže
  • Soľ
  • Čierne korenie
  • 1 ks väčšia cibuľa
  • 1 ks mrkva
  • 1 ks červená paprika
  • 1 ks zelená paprika
  • 1 ks paradajka
  • 300 g zemiaky
  • 250 g červenej šošovice
  • 60 g masla (alebo oleja)
  • 1 PL paradajkovej pasty
  • 2 litre horúcej vody alebo vývaru
  • 1 zväzok čerstvej petržlenovej vňate
  • Soľ a čierne korenie

Directions

Príprava mäsových guliek:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine 300 g of mletého hovädzieho mäsa, 1 small finely chopped onion, 2 tablespoons of raw round rice, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  2. Mix the ingredients well until fully combined.
  3. Form small meatballs, about 2-3 cm in diameter.
  4. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Príprava polievky:

  1. In a large pot, melt 60 g of butter (or oil) over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped onion, 1 grated carrot, 1 chopped red pepper, and 1 chopped green pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in 1 chopped tomato, 300 g diced potatoes, and 250 g of rinsed red lentils.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and mix well, cooking for another 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in 2 liters of hot water or broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and add the pre-cooked meatballs. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Simmer the soup for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
  7. Before serving, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

50 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 5 minutes

Servings

4-6 servings

Nutrition Info (per serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 10g

How to Serve Thick Lentil Soup with Meatballs

Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for a splash of color and taste. You can accompany it with crusty bread or a refreshing side salad for a complete meal. This thick lentil soup is perfect for family dinners or as a meal prep option for the week.

Variations

Feel free to customize this dish based on your preferences. You can replace the mletého hovädzieho mäsa with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Additionally, add more vegetables such as spinach or kale, or spice it up with some chili flakes for a kick!

FAQs

Can I use dried lentils instead of canned?
Yes, dried lentils are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to rinse and soak them before cooking to reduce cooking time.

How long does Thick Lentil Soup keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the soup can last up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! Thick Lentil Soup with Meatballs freezes well. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months.