Chicken meatball soup

Chicken meatball soup is a comforting traditional dish, full of flavors and colors, perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones! This simple and delicious recipe will turn an ordinary day into a celebration of tastes. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

For the soup:
- 1 kg chicken meat (thighs, wings, back)
- 3 carrots
- 1/2 celery root
- 1 kohlrabi
- 1 tomato
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage (or 2 tablespoons dried lovage)
- Salt to taste
- The pulp and juice of one lemon (or cabbage juice, borscht, vinegar)
- 50 ml oil

For the meatballs:
- 500 g minced chicken
- 1 egg
- 200 g long-grain rice (dry)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- Pepper to taste

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the meat
Start by thoroughly washing the chicken meat. This is an essential step, as it will ensure a clear and impurity-free soup. Cut the meat into suitable pieces and place it in a large pot. Add 3-4 liters of cold water and bring everything to a boil.

2. Skimming the soup
Once the water starts to boil, you will notice a foam forming on top. Use a skimmer to remove this foam. This step will make your soup clear and pleasant to look at.

3. Preparing the vegetables
Meanwhile, clean and wash the vegetables. Cut the carrots, celery, kohlrabi, tomato, and bell pepper into small cubes. These will not only add flavor but also a vibrant palette of colors to your soup!

4. Sautéing the vegetables
In a pan, add 50 ml of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion along with the grated carrot. Sautéing will intensify the flavors of the vegetables, adding extra taste to the soup. When the onion becomes translucent, add the mixture to the pot with the meat.

5. Boiling
Add the chopped vegetables to the pot, along with the washed and finely chopped lovage, and salt to taste. Allow everything to simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

6. Preparing the meatballs
In a large bowl, mix the minced chicken with the dry rice, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of flour. This combination will give a nice texture to your meatballs.

7. Forming the meatballs
Using wet hands, form small balls from the meat mixture. Carefully place them in the soup, making sure not to overcrowd them, allowing them to cook evenly.

8. Final boiling
Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 15-20 minutes. The meatballs will be ready when they are easy to pick up with a fork and maintain their shape.

9. Acidifying the soup
Finally, add the pulp and juice of the lemon, or if you prefer, a little cabbage juice, borscht, or vinegar, depending on your taste. This step will give the soup a pleasant acidity, balancing the flavors.

10. Serving
Chicken meatball soup is perfect with a generous spoonful of sour cream, hot peppers, and freshly chopped parsley. These garnishes not only enhance the presentation but also add extra flavor.

Practical tips

- Choosing the meat: Use fresh chicken for the best flavor. Thighs and wings are excellent for a rich and hearty soup.
- Vegetables: You can vary the vegetables according to the season. Add zucchini, peas, or potatoes for an even heartier version.
- Fluffier meatballs: If you want fluffier meatballs, you can add a splash of mineral water to the mixture.
- Vegetarian version: Instead of meat, you can use finely chopped mushrooms or vegetables to create a vegetarian version of this soup.

Nutritional values (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use pork for the meatballs?
Yes, but keep in mind that the flavor will be different and fattier. Make sure to adjust the spices to match the chosen meat.

2. Can the soup be frozen?
Yes, but I recommend not freezing the meatballs. Cook them fresh each time, and the soup can be frozen without issues.

3. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add more fresh hot peppers or chili flakes during cooking.

Personal stories

This meatball soup reminds me of the days spent with family, when everyone gathered around the table. The inviting aroma of boiled vegetables and meat filled the entire house, and our laughter and stories filled the atmosphere with warmth. The soup has always been a symbol of soul, a way to connect and celebrate beautiful moments together.

I wish you much success in preparing this chicken meatball soup! I hope it brings you as much joy as it has brought me over the years. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: chicken meat (thighs, wings, back) 3 carrots 1/2 celery 1 kohlrabi 1 tomato 1 bell pepper 1 bunch of fresh lovage (2 tablespoons dried lovage) salt to taste the pulp and juice of one lemon (cabbage juice, borscht, vinegar) 50 ml oil For meatballs: 500 g minced chicken 1 egg 200 g long-grain rice (dry) 1 tablespoon flour 1 onion, salt, pepper to taste