Sour Meatball Soup

A simple and quick  soup, good for the next day after the New Year party. 

Excellent if you're on South Beach Phase I, too

Put in a pot whatever veggies you have in hand, with plenty of water, a few tbsp of oil and a dash of salt. Like a carrot, a red or any other color pepper, celery, celeriac, cabbage or cauliflower or Brussels sprouts, onion  a.s.o. 

Simmer for 20 - 25 minutes on medium heat.  Mix a pound or two of minced meat (any meat will do) with an egg, a tsp of black pepper, bit of salt. If you're not in SB Phase I, you can add also 1-2 tbsp of rice. Form meatballs and add them to the soup. Simmer for more 20 minutes on low heat. 

Now comes the best part, soup dressing. 

Use your imagination or...

Add  a cup of tomato juice and simmer for more 5 minutes. Cut heat. Add the juice from half a lemon and sprinkle with your favorite herbs. Let it rest for half an hour. 

or....

Add a whisked egg with an yogurt. Simmer for 1-2 minutes. 

Add the juice from half a lemon and sprinkle with your favorite herbs. Let it rest for half an hour.

or...

Do like Romanians do. Add the liquid of the sauerkraut (half a cup) and some of the sauerkraut. Simmer for 2-3 minutes more and sprinkle with herbs.  Let it rest for half an hour. You can serve it with a tbsp of sour cream and a sprinkle of herbs.

ps.  If you like broccoli or stir-fried mushrooms, add them when the soup is ready and simmer for a minute or two more. 

Enjoy!!!