Chicken meatball soup
Chicken Meatball Soup - A Recipe for Comfort and Health
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6
Chicken meatball soup is a classic dish, full of flavor and love, that reminds us of childhood meals when grandma gathered us around the table to indulge us with the most delicious dishes. This recipe is a lighter version, using chicken breast, but don't let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you! The taste is absolutely divine, and it is a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a warm and nourishing meal without many calories.
Ingredients needed for chicken meatball soup:
For the soup:
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large carrot
- 1 slice of celery
- 50 ml sunflower or olive oil
- 3-4 liters of water
- 1 cup of flavored tomato sauce
- Salt, to taste
- 1 handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
For the meatballs:
- 500 g skinless chicken breast, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of pepper paste
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of rice, washed
- 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
History and Story
Chicken meatball soup has become a staple in many kitchens, with deep roots in culinary traditions, often associated with family gatherings and moments of good cheer. This recipe can vary from family to family, with each adding its personal touch with specific ingredients and techniques. The secret to a delicious meatball soup lies in the quality of the ingredients used and the love with which it is prepared.
Step by step to a perfect soup
1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by cleaning and washing the vegetables well. The onion, carrot, and celery will give a special flavor to the soup, so don't skip this step. Chop the onion finely, and cut the carrot and celery into small cubes.
2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, pour in the 50 ml of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it gently until it becomes translucent. Add the chopped carrot and celery and continue to sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Boiling the soup base: Now is the time to add the water. Pour 3-4 liters of water into the pot, add salt to taste, and bring everything to a boil. Let it simmer on low heat, covered, for about 15 minutes.
4. Preparing the meatballs: In a bowl, combine the minced chicken breast, egg, chopped onion, pepper paste, parsley, rice, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Michael Chiarello's tips on adding breadcrumbs and milk will make your meatballs juicy and full of flavor.
5. Forming the meatballs: Using wet hands, form small meatballs (about the size of a walnut) and set them aside. If you have patience, the smaller the meatballs, the finer the soup will be.
6. Adding the meatballs to the soup: When the carrot is almost cooked (after about 10-15 minutes of boiling), carefully add the meatballs to the pot. Let them boil for 10-15 minutes until they are fully cooked.
7. Finishing the soup: At the end of the cooking time, add the cup of flavored tomato sauce. Stir gently and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to integrate the flavors.
8. Serving the soup: Chicken meatball soup is served hot, with a handful of fresh parsley sprinkled on top. It's so tasty that you won't feel the need to add sour cream, but if you like, don't hesitate to add it!
Tips and Variations
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a crushed garlic clove during the sautéing of the vegetables.
- Chicken meatball soup can be customized according to your preferences. You can replace the chicken breast with turkey meat, or add vegetables like zucchini or bell pepper.
- For a spicy taste, add a finely chopped chili pepper to the pot.
Nutritional Values and Calories
Chicken meatball soup is a healthy choice, rich in protein and essential vitamins. A serving contains about 250-300 calories, making it ideal for a balanced meal. Fresh ingredients and slow cooking preserve the nutrients, providing you with a dish that is not only tasty but also nourishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken with skin? Although skinless chicken breast is healthier, you can use meat with skin for the meatballs, but you will get a fattier soup.
2. How can I store the soup? Chicken meatball soup stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can freeze the soup, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to preserve the flavors.
3. What other garnishes can I add? The soup can be served with fresh bread, croutons, or a green salad to add a touch of freshness.
Chicken meatball soup is a true culinary comfort, perfect for chilly days or to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones. Whether you prepare it for yourself or for your loved ones, this recipe will surely become one of your favorites. Savor every spoonful, surrounded by your dear ones, and enjoy the mealtime!
Ingredients: 1 onion 1 carrot 1 slice of celery 50 ml oil 1 glass of seasoning sauce salt green parsley for meatballs 500 g skinless chicken breast minced 1 egg 1 chopped onion 1 tablespoon pepper paste 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 2 tablespoons rice 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons milk salt pepper
