Chicken meatball soup

Chicken meatball soup is a classic dish loved by many, bringing a touch of comfort in every bowl. This soup, with its delicate flavors and light texture, is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a chilly autumn day or you simply want to indulge in a warm and hearty meal. Your little girl will be delighted by the rich taste of this dish, and you will be proud to have provided her with a healthy, nutrient-packed meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the soup:
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 large carrot
- 1 onion
- 2 liters of water
- 5-6 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of canned tomatoes (or fresh, pureed)
- 1 sprig of fresh lovage

For the meatballs:
- 500 g chicken breast
- 2 medium onions (about 140 g)
- 50 g rice
- 2 small eggs
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- A pinch of sweet paprika
- A mix of herbs (marjoram, parsley, rosemary, thyme) – your choice

Step by Step: Preparing Chicken Meatball Soup

1. Preparing the Vegetables
The first step in this recipe is to prepare the vegetables. Start by washing the celery stalk well, then cut it in half lengthwise. This will help release the flavors during boiling. Clean the bell pepper of seeds and wash it, cutting it into halves or cubes, as preferred. Peel the carrot, wash it, and cut it in half. Peel and wash the onion, leaving it whole to allow it to release its flavor during boiling.

2. Boiling the Soup Base
In a large pot, add 2 liters of water, the oil, and the salt. Add the prepared vegetables to boil and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes. They will combine to form a flavorful soup base. It is essential not to skip this step, as the vegetables add depth of flavor to the soup.

3. Preparing the Meatballs
Meanwhile, process the chicken breast in a food processor to finely chop it. This will become the base of your meatballs. Place the minced meat in a bowl, along with the peeled and finely chopped onion, washed rice, eggs, salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and the herb mix. Mix well until all ingredients are integrated. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add more herbs.

4. Forming the Meatballs
With wet hands, form small meatballs from the meat mixture. Their size can vary, but ideally, they should be about the size of a golf ball. This ensures even cooking.

5. Cooking the Meatballs
After the vegetables have boiled, add the meatballs one by one into the boiling pot of water. It is important to add them carefully so they do not break apart. Let them boil for 15-20 minutes until they rise to the surface and become fluffy. If necessary, add water along the way, ensuring a constant volume of liquid.

6. Finalizing the Soup
When the meatballs are ready, add the canned tomatoes and the washed lovage sprig. Let the soup boil for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the salt to your preference.

Serving
Chicken meatball soup is served hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped lovage and, for those who prefer a touch of spice, you can add fresh chili peppers. This dish pairs wonderfully with a slice of fresh bread or polenta.

Practical Tip
If you want to add a unique twist to your recipe, you can experiment with different types of meat, such as turkey or even pork, for the meatballs. You can also substitute rice with quinoa for a healthier option.

Nutritional Benefits
This soup is rich in protein due to the chicken breast and provides an excellent source of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It is a healthy choice for the whole family, being easy to digest and comforting. A serving of meatball soup has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey or even pork to diversify the recipe. Make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat chosen.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes during cooking to intensify the spiciness.

3. Can I freeze the soup?
Chicken meatball soup can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add the lovage or tomatoes before freezing. These can be added before serving to preserve the fresh flavor.

4. What other recipes can it be combined with?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a cabbage salad or a serving of polenta, bringing a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Enjoy this chicken meatball soup recipe that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also bring unforgettable moments with family!

 Ingredients: For the soup: 1 stalk of celery 1 bell pepper 1 carrot 1 onion 2 liters of water 5-6 tablespoons of oil 1 teaspoon of salt 2 tablespoons of tomatoes prepared for winter 1 sprig of lovage For the meatballs: 500 g chicken breast 2 onions (140 g) 50 g rice 2 small eggs 1 teaspoon of salt a little ground black pepper a pinch of sweet paprika a bit of herb mix (marjoram, parsley, rosemary, thyme)

 Tags:  chicken meatball soup soup meat dishes meatballs chicken