Sour cabbage soup with chicken meatballs

Sour Cabbage Soup with Chicken Meatballs

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn't nostalgically remember the aromatic taste of meatball soup from childhood? That perfect combination of fresh vegetables and juicy meat, all gathered in a warm bowl, warming our souls. In this recipe, I have reintroduced sour cabbage soup with chicken meatballs, a simple, quick recipe, yet full of flavor. I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result.

Ingredients

- 300 g minced chicken (preferably from a trusted source)
- 1 egg (medium)
- 50 g rice (washed and carefully selected)
- 1 carrot (approximately 100 g)
- 1 small piece of celery (approximately 100 g)
- 1 kohlrabi (approximately 150 g)
- 1 onion (medium-sized)
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for extra color)
- 500 g sour cabbage (or more, to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Sweet paprika (1-2 tablespoons)
- Fresh dill (about 1 bunch)
- Oil (for sautéing)

Preparing the Soup

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by thoroughly washing all the vegetables. Peel the carrot, celery, and kohlrabi, then grate them on a large grater. Chop the onion finely and dice the bell pepper into small cubes. Cut the sour cabbage into thin strips so that it integrates perfectly into the soup.

2. Sautéing the vegetables
In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the diced bell pepper and stir for a few minutes. Then, add the grated carrot, celery, and kohlrabi, mixing well. Let the vegetables sauté together for about 5 minutes.

3. Adding the cabbage and spices
Add the shredded sour cabbage to the pot. Mix everything and season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. These spices will add a delicious flavor to the soup. Cover the pot with a lid and let the vegetables simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Meatballs

4. Preparing the meatball mixture
In a bowl, combine the minced chicken with the egg, washed rice, salt, pepper, and finely chopped dill. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. If you want a more intense flavor, add a little crushed garlic or your favorite herbs.

5. Forming the meatballs
With wet hands, form small meatballs from the meat mixture and place them on a plate. This will prevent them from sticking together and will facilitate their introduction into the soup.

Finalizing the Soup

6. Adding the meatballs to the soup
After the 30 minutes of simmering the vegetables, carefully add the meatballs to the pot with the soup. Let them boil for about 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked. If you want a more sour taste, you can add a little borscht or lemon juice.

7. Serving
The soup is served hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top and optionally with hot peppers on the side for those who love a bit of spice. A slice of fresh bread on the side will perfectly complete the meal.

Practical Tips

- Vegetarian option: If you want a meatless version, you can make meatballs from mushrooms or vegetables with tofu.
- Ingredients can be adapted: Use your favorite vegetables or those available, adapting the recipe to your family's tastes.
- The soup can be frozen: This soup keeps very well in the freezer, so you can make a larger quantity and enjoy it on future days.

Nutritional Benefits

Sour cabbage soup is not only delicious but also very healthy. Sour cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and probiotics. Chicken adds lean protein, while rice complements the intake of complex carbohydrates. This recipe has approximately 250 calories per serving, making it an excellent choice for a nourishing and light meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use pork? Of course! The soup will have a richer taste, but be sure to adjust the cooking time, as pork requires a longer time to cook properly.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the soup? Adding a few bay leaves or peppercorns can intensify the flavor. Also, a drop of balsamic vinegar added at the end can bring an interesting note.

This recipe for sour cabbage soup with chicken meatballs is not just a delicious meal, but also a reminder of the happy days of childhood. With each spoonful, you will feel the warmth and comfort that only a well-made soup can provide. So gather your family and friends around the table and enjoy this delicacy together!

 Ingredients: 300 g minced chicken, 1 piece of egg, 1 piece of carrot, 1 small piece of celery, 1 piece of kohlrabi, 1 piece of onion, 1 piece of pepper, 50 g rice, salt, pepper, sweet paprika, 500 g sauerkraut, dill

 Tags:  chicken thighs sauerkraut