Meatball Soup with Beef Goulash Vibes recipe

Step 1

Combine 1 large egg, 4 cloves garlic, finely grated, 1 cup panko, 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp. thyme leaves, 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton Kosher Salt and ¼ cup water in a medium bowl; Season with freshly ground pepper and mix well. Leave on for 5 minutes to moisturize.

step 2

Add 1 pound ground beef to bowl and mix gently until combined. Divide and roll the meat mixture into ping-pong sized balls (you should have about 20 total).

step 3

Heat remaining 2 tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil in a Dutch oven or other heavy, large saucepan over medium-high. Cook the meatballs, shaking the pot to turn the meatballs every few minutes, until browned all over, 6-8 minutes. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, place the meatballs on a plate.

step 4

Boil 1 (packaged) cup frozen, thawed pearl onions and ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. In the same saucepan, add Morton Kosher Salt, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add 10 ounces. Mushrooms (any kind), shredded into bite-sized pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add 2 tbsp. add double concentrated tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are coated and paste darkens slightly, about 1 minute. Sprinkle 1 tbsp evenly. Cook all-purpose flour on top, stirring constantly, until mushrooms are coated, about 1 minute.

step 5

Pour 2⁄₃ cup of dry red wine into the saucepan and cook, scraping off any browned bits that stick to the bottom of the saucepan, until almost completely evaporated, 1-2 minutes. Stir in 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes (about 4 medium), peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks, then add meatballs, 4 cups low-sodium beef broth, and remaining 1 tsp Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp Kosher Morton Salt; season with pepper Increase heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover saucepan and simmer, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender, 15-20 minutes.

step 6

Remove lid and stir in ½ cup frozen peas; continue to simmer until liquid is only slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.

step 7

Pour the soup into small bowls and serve with farmhouse bread, if you like.