Sweet cabbage soup with chicken meatballs

Sweet cabbage soup with chicken meatballs

Sweet cabbage soup with meatballs is one of those recipes that is simply comforting and nourishing. It is a traditional dish, often associated with pleasant childhood memories when its enticing aroma filled the house. With a mix of fresh vegetables and juicy chicken meat, this soup is perfect for cool days or to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 1 medium sweet cabbage
- 2 carrots
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 parsnip
- 1 parsley root
- 1/2 celery
- 1/2 kohlrabi
- 200 g minced chicken
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons of rice
- 2 tablespoons of white flour
- Fresh parsley leaves
- Fresh lovage leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- Iodized salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Oil for sautéing

Preparing the soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning all the vegetables. The onion, carrots, parsnip, parsley root, celery, and kohlrabi will be finely chopped. These vegetables will not only add flavor to the soup but also considerable nutritional value. The cabbage is shredded, as it will be added later to the pot.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, heat a little oil. Add the finely chopped vegetables (onion, carrots, parsnip, parsley root, celery, and kohlrabi) and sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly translucent. This step is essential to intensify the flavors of the vegetables.

3. Adding the cabbage: Once the vegetables have been sautéed, add the shredded cabbage. Mix everything well and let it cook for a few minutes until the cabbage starts to soften.

4. Seasoning: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and add the bay leaf. These spices will give the soup a special flavor. After adding the spices, pour enough water to cover the vegetables. Let the soup simmer over medium heat, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

5. Preparing the meatballs: Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the minced chicken with the egg, rice, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition. The rice will help bind the meatballs and give them a pleasant texture.

6. Forming the meatballs: Using a teaspoon, take portions from the meat mixture and form meatballs of the desired size. Be careful not to make them too large, so they cook evenly.

7. Cooking the meatballs: When the soup has been simmering for 30 minutes, add the meatballs to the pot, one by one. Let the soup continue to simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. This step will allow the meatballs to cook well and release their flavors into the soup.

8. Finalizing the soup: Check the taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. The soup is ready when the meatballs are cooked, and the vegetables are tender.

9. Serving: The soup is served hot, sprinkled with fresh herbs like parsley or lovage. You can add a tablespoon of sour cream or hot pepper, depending on everyone's preferences.

Practical tips:

- Fresh greens: Make sure the parsley and lovage are fresh to intensify the soup's flavor.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables of your choice or replace the chicken with pork or beef, depending on preferences.
- Cooling and storage: The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is also delicious the next day, as the flavor intensifies.

Nutritional benefits:

Sweet cabbage soup with meatballs is a balanced meal, rich in vegetables, providing fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. The chicken meat adds quality protein, while the rice provides healthy carbohydrates. This recipe is ideal for supporting a healthy lifestyle.

How many calories does this recipe have?

A serving of soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream added and the specifics of the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use pickled cabbage instead of sweet cabbage?
Yes, but the soup will have a different taste and will be saltier. It is recommended to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe.

- How long can I keep the soup in the freezer?
The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.

- What drinks pair well with this soup?
A warm soup pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine or a fresh lemonade. Additionally, a light beer can be an excellent choice for a rustic lunch.

I hope this recipe for sweet cabbage soup with chicken meatballs brings a touch of warmth and joy to your kitchen! Prepare it with love and share it with your loved ones to create unforgettable memories around the table. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 medium sweet cabbage, 2 carrots, 1 yellow onion, 1 parsnip, 1 root parsley, 1/2 celery, 1/2 kohlrabi, 200 g minced chicken, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons rice, 2 tablespoons white flour, fresh parsley leaves, fresh lovage leaves, 1 bay leaf, sweet paprika, iodized salt, freshly ground pepper.

 Tags:  cabbage soup