Chicken meatball soup
Chicken Meatball Soup
Chicken meatball soup is a traditional dish that brings together the fresh flavors of vegetables and the savory taste of chicken, making it a true delight for the palate. This recipe is not only packed with nutrients but is also an excellent choice for a comforting meal on cooler days. With every spoonful, chicken meatball soup revives childhood memories and brings warmth to the hearts of those who savor it. Let's see how we can prepare this delicacy at home!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 large chicken breast (approximately 800g)
- 6 small onions
- 3 carrots
- 150g rice
- 1 bell pepper
- 3-4 celery leaves
- 6 peeled tomatoes
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml borscht
- fresh dill
- fresh parsley
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- oil (for sautéing)
Preparation:
1. Preparing the meat: The first step in making this delicious soup is to take care of the chicken breast. Remove the skin and debone the breast, then wash it well under cold water. This step is essential to ensure clean and healthy meat. Use a meat grinder or blender to chop the meat into small pieces.
2. Preparing the meatball mixture: Peel 2 onions and finely chop them (or grate them). Add the chopped onion to the chicken meat along with salt, finely chopped fresh dill, eggs, and washed rice. The rice will contribute to the texture of the meatballs, giving them a fluffy appearance and a special taste. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
3. Preparing the soup: In a large pot, add 3 liters of salted water (to taste) and bring it to a boil. Add the remaining onion (finely chopped), peeled and diced carrots, and the seeded and diced bell pepper. These vegetables will give the soup a rich and aromatic flavor.
4. Preparing the tomato sauce: In a pan, heat a little oil and add 2 finely chopped onions. Sauté them until they become translucent. Add the peeled tomatoes (preferably fresh) diced, a little salt, and let them simmer for a few minutes. The tomato sauce will add a touch of acidity and a vibrant flavor to the soup, so don't skip this step!
5. Combining the ingredients: Once the vegetables in the pot are cooked, add the previously made tomato sauce. After adding the sauce, chop the celery leaves and add them to the pot. Add the strained borscht and the remaining rice. Let it boil for about 5 minutes.
6. Forming the meatballs: In a small bowl, put a little warm water and start forming the meatballs. Take a portion of the meat mixture and shape it into a ball the size of a walnut. It is important to occasionally wet your hands with warm water to prevent the mixture from sticking.
7. Cooking the meatballs: Carefully place the formed meatballs into the soup and let them boil for 5-10 minutes. It is important not to stir them too much in the pot to avoid breaking them apart.
8. Finishing: Turn off the heat and let the soup sit covered for 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to blend perfectly and gives you a soup with an intense and savory taste.
9. Serving: Chicken meatball soup is served hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley. You can also add a splash of sour cream for extra creaminess and flavor.
Helpful tips:
- Use fresh chicken breast to achieve tender and juicy meat.
- Experiment with spices! Adding herbs like basil or thyme can give a unique touch to the soup.
- If you prefer a more tangy soup, add more borscht or the juice of a lemon before serving.
- You can substitute rice with quinoa for a gluten-free version, but make sure to adjust the cooking time.
Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in protein due to the chicken and eggs, while the vegetables add an important supply of vitamins and minerals. A serving of meatball soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used, making it a healthy and filling choice for lunch or dinner.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use pork or beef for the meatballs?
- Yes, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted to ensure even cooking of the meat.
- How much borscht should I add?
- Add gradually, tasting along the way, to achieve the desired acidity.
- Can I freeze the soup?
- Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to add fresh meatballs upon thawing to maintain texture.
Chicken meatball soup is not only a delicious recipe but also a wonderful way to bring the family together at the table. Enjoy every spoonful and let yourself be carried away by the nostalgia of dishes cooked with love!
Ingredients: 6 small onions, 3 carrots, 1 large chicken breast (800g), 150g rice, dill, parsley, 2 eggs, 1 bell pepper, 3-4 celery leaves, 6 peeled tomatoes, salt, 100 ml borscht, pepper
