Dive into the rich flavors of Israeli cuisine with this Beet Kubbeh Soup. This vibrant dish combines earthy beets and tangy tomatoes with savory kubbeh dumplings, creating a hearty and satisfying soup that's as visually stunning as it is delicious. Each spoonful is a delightful burst of flavors and textures, making this soup a perfect choice for a cozy night in or a festive gathering.

Here's a recipe for Israeli Beet Kubbeh Soup:

Ingredients:

For the kubbeh dumplings:

 - 1 cup fine bulgur

 - 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb

 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

 - 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

 - Salt and pepper to taste

For the soup:

 - 4 medium beets, peeled and grated

 - 1 onion, finely chopped

 - 2 tomatoes, chopped

 - 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

 - Salt and pepper to taste

 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1- Make the kubbeh dumplings: In a bowl, combine the bulgur with enough warm water to cover it. Let it soak for 30 minutes, then drain and squeeze out any excess water.

2- In another bowl, mix the soaked bulgur with the ground meat, chopped onion, allspice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Knead the mixture until well combined and smooth.

3- Shape the mixture into small balls or ovals to form the kubbeh dumplings. Set them aside.

4- Prepare the soup: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

5- Add the grated beets and chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the beets are tender.

7- Gently drop the kubbeh dumplings into the soup. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the kubbeh is cooked through.

8- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Enjoy your Israeli Beet Kubbeh Soup!

Nutritional Values :

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients in the Israeli Beet Kubbeh Soup recipe per serving:

Bulgur (1 cup, ~180g)

- Calories: ~150 kcal

- Fat: ~0.5g

- Carbohydrates: ~33g

- Protein: ~6g

- Benefits: Bulgur is a whole grain rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It aids digestion, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and provides sustained energy.

Ground Beef or Lamb (1/2 lb, ~225g)

- Ground Beef:

 - Calories: ~320 kcal (for 85% lean beef)

 - Fat: ~24g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: ~26g

 - Benefits: Provides high-quality protein, iron, and essential B vitamins. Supports muscle growth and repair, and provides energy.

- Ground Lamb:

 - Calories: ~330 kcal

 - Fat: ~25g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: ~24g

 - Benefits: Similar to beef, lamb provides protein and essential nutrients. It has slightly higher fat content but is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Onion (1 small, ~70g)

- Calories: ~30 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: ~7g

- Protein: ~1g

- Benefits: Onions are low in calories and high in antioxidants. They support heart health, help regulate blood sugar levels, and add flavor to dishes.

Ground Allspice (1/2 teaspoon)

- Calories: ~3 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: ~1g

- Protein: 0g

- Benefits: Adds a warm, sweet-spicy flavor. Allspice has antioxidant properties and may aid in digestion and reduce inflammation.

Ground Cumin (1/2 teaspoon)

- Calories: ~8 kcal

- Fat: ~0.4g

- Carbohydrates: ~1g

- Protein: ~0.4g

- Benefits: Cumin adds a nutty, peppery flavor. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may support digestion and metabolism.

Beets (4 medium, ~500g)

- Calories: ~200 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: ~50g

- Protein: ~6g

- Benefits: Beets are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They support heart health, improve blood flow, and provide energy.

Tomatoes (2 medium, ~240g)

- Calories: ~40 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: ~9g

- Protein: ~2g

- Benefits: Tomatoes are high in vitamins A and C and antioxidants like lycopene. They support immune function and heart health.

Chicken or Vegetable Broth (6 cups, ~1440ml)

- Calories: ~60 kcal (for chicken broth)

- Fat: ~2g

- Carbohydrates: ~5g

- Protein: ~5g

- Benefits: Adds flavor and nutrients. Broth is a good source of hydration and may provide some vitamins and minerals depending on the ingredients used.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)

- Calories: ~240 kcal

- Fat: ~28g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Benefits: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. It supports heart health and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish, ~2 tablespoons)

- Calories: ~5 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: ~1g

- Protein: ~0.5g

- Benefits: Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K and has antioxidant properties. It supports overall health and adds freshness to dishes.

These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.