German Wedding Soup

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk 1/4 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken or beef stock 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken or beef stock
• 200g (7 oz) egg noodles or small pasta shapes 200g (7 oz) egg noodles or small pasta shapes
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. 3.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same pot, add the carrots, leeks, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Pour in the chicken or beef stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. 6.
   Add the meatballs back into the pot and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
7. 7.
   Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles or pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
8. 8.
   Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   To serve, divide the cooked noodles or pasta among serving bowls. Ladle the soup over the noodles and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef and pork — Make sure the meat is well combined with the other ingredients to ensure the meatballs hold their shape while cooking.
• Egg noodles or pasta — Cook the noodles or pasta separately and add them to the soup just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Tips & Tricks

• For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef and pork.
• Add a splash of white wine to the soup for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy meal later on.
• Customize the vegetables to your liking by adding peas, corn, or mushrooms.

Serving advice

Serve the German Wedding Soup hot in individual bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange a few meatballs on top of the soup in each bowl and sprinkle some additional chopped parsley for a pop of color.