Mini Meatball, Mushroom and Potato Soup

We had snow last night and today here in Seattle and I stayed inside, as I don't drive well in ice and snow. I love snow, but just looking at it makes me feel cold so I must eat soup. Tonight I made a soup that combines the flavors of Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy. I actually thought about just making Meatloaf, but my son doesn't like it. He does however like Meatballs, the smaller the better. He also doesn't like any kind of potatoes that aren't crispy. The good news is that he did like this soup and I loved it! If you want it to be creamier, you could add some cream, but I like broth. For me, it was a big bowl of comfort! And it was really easy and fast to put together too. Just perfect for a cold night outside, while we're enjoying our delicious soup inside!

Mini Meatball, Mushroom and Potato Soup

1 pound of ground Beef

1 Egg, lightly beaten

1/2 cup Oatmeal or GF Bread Crumbs (or 2 pieces of GF bread without crusts, crumbled)

2 Tablespoons Ketchup

2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt

3 Tablespoons Butter

1 medium Yellow Onion, chopped

20 medium Button Mushrooms, sliced and then cut in half

4 Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes (about 4 cups)

6 cups Beef Broth 

2 cups Water

pinch of fresh ground Black Pepper

Chives, minced for garnish
Optional 1/3 cup Cream and 1/2 teaspoon Tamari

Pour broth into the Soup Pot and add the Potatoes, bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.

Meanwhile, combine the ground Beef, the Egg, the Oatmeal (or Bread Crumbs or Cubes), the Ketchup, the Seasoned Salt and the Worcestershire Sauce in a mixing bowl until well blended. Make into mini Meatballs, about 1 teaspoon each and place in a large frying pan. Heat frying pan to medium heat and cook the Meatballs until at least two sides of the Meatballs are browned. Add the Meatballs into the Soup, leaving the drippings in the pan.

In the same frying pan, melt the butter, add the Onion and Mushrooms and cook until the Onion is translucent and the Mushrooms are soft. Add to the Soup with the pan sauce and a pinch of Black Pepper. Add cream now, if using it.  Cook together on simmer for 15 - 20 minutes or until Potatoes are soft. Serve with a sprinkling of Chives on top.

Five Element Analysis

This is a very Earthy Soup as Beef, Oatmeal, Mushrooms and Potatoes are all Earth foods. So it's a very grounding soup and good for the Spleen. The Butter, Onion and Chives contribute the Metal Element as does the Cream if you use it. The Egg and Worcestershire Sauce bring in a bit of the Water Element and only the Ketchup adds the Fire Element. So, we had this with a Green Salad that included Tomatoes and a Vinaigrette Dressing to create a balanced Five Element meal.