Soup with Pork Meatballs and Ginger

The soup with pork meatballs and ginger is a comforting and warming dish, perfect for cold days. Here I propose a recipe with an Italian twist, using fresh and quality ingredients.

Ingredients

• 500 g of ground pork
• 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 2 scallions, finely sliced
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil for sautéing
• 1.5 liters of chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
• 2 stalks of celery, cut into pieces
• 1 zucchini, cut into half-moons
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix the ground pork, ginger, garlic, half of the scallions, the egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth mixture.
2. Form small meatballs with the meat mixture and set aside.
3. In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil and briefly sauté the remaining sliced scallions.
4. Add the broth and bring to a boil.
5. Once the broth boils, lower the heat and gently add the pork meatballs.
6. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the meatballs float to the surface indicating they are cooked.
7. Add the carrots, celery, and zucchini, then continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
8. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper if necessary.

Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil.

Curiosity

Meatballs in broth are a very common variation in Italy, where they are often used in soups and stews as well. The addition of ginger, however, gives an exotic touch and a pleasant spiced flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the pork. This dish is an interesting fusion of Italian flavors and oriental aromas.