Chicken meatball soup, sour cream, and bell pepper

Chicken Meatball Soup with Sour Cream and Bell Peppers

Chicken meatball soup is a traditional, flavorful, and comforting dish that reminds us of family meals from childhood. This recipe, with a delicious twist from the bell peppers and sour cream, is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavors and nutrients. In about 30 minutes, you can have a soup on the table that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. I'm excited to share each step of this recipe with you.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the soup:
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 large onion
- 1 large slice of celery
- 4 tablespoons chopped bell peppers
- 4 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 4 tablespoons rice
- Salt, to taste
- 1 liter of water (boiled)
- 1 cup sour cream (preferably full-fat to avoid lumps)
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped

For the meatballs:
- 500 g chicken breast (preferably from free-range chickens)
- 2 small green onions
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Lemon juice (optional, for a tangy flavor)

Instructions

1. Preparing the Vegetables: Start by washing, peeling, and chopping the vegetables. The carrot, onion, and celery can be cut into pieces about 2-3 cm long. If you want to save time, you can use an immersion blender to chop the vegetables. Just be careful not to chop them too finely; they should retain some texture.

2. Sautéing the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes until they become slightly translucent. Add the rice and mix well, ensuring the rice becomes glassy.

3. Adding Water: Quickly boil 1 liter of water in a kettle. Once the rice is glassy, pour the hot water over the vegetables. Don’t forget to add salt to taste! Let it simmer over medium heat.

4. Preparing the Meatballs: Use the same blender to mince the chicken breast. Add the green onion, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped parsley, salt, and chili flakes. Blend well until you achieve a smooth mixture. Don’t hesitate to use your hands to mix!

5. Forming the Meatballs: Wet your hands with water and form meatballs of your desired size. You can make smaller meatballs for quicker cooking or larger ones, according to your preference.

6. Cooking the Meatballs: When the water in the pot starts to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. Carefully introduce the meatballs into the soup. They will be ready in about 10 minutes when they become opaque and firm.

7. Finalizing the Soup: Taste the soup and add salt if needed. Dilute the sour cream with a few tablespoons of the warm soup broth before adding it to the pot. This step is crucial as it helps prevent lumps. You can add lemon juice to taste for an extra hint of acidity.

8. Serving: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove the soup from the heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve the soup hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta.

Practical Tips

- Ingredients: Use full-fat sour cream for a rich and creamy taste, but if you prefer a lighter dish, Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables, such as potatoes or zucchini, for extra texture and nutrients. You can also experiment with different types of meat, such as beef or turkey.
- Pairings: This soup pairs perfectly with a summer salad or a refreshing drink, such as mint lemonade.
- Storage: The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and becomes even tastier the next day.

Nutritional Information

This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken breast and contains fresh vegetables that are high in vitamins and minerals. One serving (approximately 300 ml) of soup contains about 200-250 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used. It’s an excellent choice for a light yet nourishing meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use shredded chicken?
Yes, you can use shredded chicken, but make sure it’s not too dry, as the meatballs need to be juicy.

2. How can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken breast with tofu or a combination of mushrooms and vegetables, and substitute the chicken broth with water and spices for flavor.

3. Is this soup suitable for children?
Yes, it’s a healthy and tasty meal for the whole family. Adjust the spices to suit the tastes of little ones.

So, gather your ingredients and enjoy this chicken meatball soup with sour cream and bell peppers. I promise it will quickly become a family favorite! Enjoy your meal!