Bakso (Meatball Soup)

Here’s a kid-friendly recipe for Bakso, which is a delicious Indonesian meatball soup. This version is simplified to make it easy and fun for kids to help with!

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef or chicken (you can also use turkey)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (you can use whole wheat or regular)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

For the Soup:

• 6 cups chicken or beef broth (you can use low-sodium)
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup bok choy or spinach (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Soy sauce (for taste, optional)
• Cooked noodles (like rice noodles or egg noodles, optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
2. Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon.
3. Wet your hands slightly and form small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on a plate.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken or beef broth to a gentle boil.
2. Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling broth. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot.
3. Let the meatballs cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and float to the top.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

1. Once the meatballs are cooked, add the sliced carrots and green beans to the pot.
2. Let everything simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. If you’re adding bok choy or spinach, throw it in during the last minute of cooking.

Step 4: Serve

1. Taste the soup and add soy sauce if you want a bit more flavor.
2. If you like, you can add cooked noodles to the bowls before serving.
3. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each bowl has meatballs and veggies.
4. Garnish with sliced green onions on top.

Enjoy!

This soup is nutritious, full of flavor, and perfect for kids. You can even let them help with mixing ingredients or forming the meatballs for a fun cooking experience!