Craving something warm, flavorful, and wholesome? Look no further than Vietnamese chicken meatball soup! This soup is a perfect balance of savoury broth, tender chicken meatballs, and aromatic herbs. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just in the mood for some comfort food, this dish promises to tickle your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
What is Vietnamese Chicken Meatball Soup?
Vietnamese chicken meatball soup, often referred to as chicken meatball pho, is a delightful twist on the traditional pho. Instead of the usual thinly sliced beef or chicken, the star of the show here is the soft, juicy chicken meatballs. The broth is light yet flavorful, infused with ginger, garlic, and star anise, while the meatballs soak up all the goodness, making every bite a burst of flavours.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
– 500g FreshToHome’s Antibiotic residue-free chicken
– 1 egg
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 thumb-sized ginger (grated)
– 1 onion (finely chopped)
– 1 tsp fish sauce
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tsp sugar
– 2 litres chicken broth
– 2 star anise pods
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 200g rice noodles
– Fresh cilantro, mint, and lime wedges for garnish
– Chili flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick
Did You Know?
Chicken meatball soup is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Chicken is packed with lean protein, which helps build and repair muscles, and the broth is a great source of hydration and electrolytes. A win-win for both your taste buds and your health!
Instructions:
1. Make the Chicken Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, garlic, ginger, onion, fish sauce, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix everything well until you have a smooth mixture. Using your hands, form small meatballs (about 1 inch in size) and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add star anise and cinnamon stick to the broth for that signature Vietnamese aroma. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse into the broth.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Let them cook for about 10-12 minutes until they are cooked through and tender.
4. Cook the Noodles: In a separate pot, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Assemble the Soup: Place a portion of cooked noodles in each bowl. Ladle the hot broth and meatballs over the noodles. Top it off with fresh cilantro, mint, lime wedges, and chilli flakes or Sriracha for some heat.
6. Enjoy: Now all that’s left is to dive into your homemade bowl of goodness! Slurp those noodles, savour the broth, and relish each tender chicken meatball.
Chicken Meatball Pho: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
While this dish is often called Vietnamese chicken meatball soup, it’s also commonly referred to as chicken meatball pho. Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup known for its fragrant broth and rice noodles. What sets chicken meatball pho apart is the juicy meatballs, which give the dish an added layer of texture and heartiness.
Chicken meatball pho is a fantastic choice for both lunch and dinner. It’s light enough to not weigh you down but filling enough to keep you satisfied. Plus, it’s packed with protein, making it a great post-workout meal!
Health Benefits of Chicken Meatball Soup
Beyond its mouth-watering taste, Vietnamese chicken meatball soup is packed with health benefits. Let’s take a look:
- High in Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which helps build muscle and supports overall health. The meatballs give you all the goodness without the extra fat.
- Boosts Immunity: The broth in this soup is rich in nutrients, including minerals and vitamins that support your immune system. Plus, ginger and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties that can help keep colds at bay.
- Low in Calories: Despite being incredibly filling, this soup is low in calories, making it a perfect option for anyone looking to eat a nutritious, balanced meal.
Customising Your Bowl
One of the best things about chicken meatball pho is how customizable it is. You can make it your own by adding:
– Fresh Herbs: Basil, cilantro, and mint add a burst of freshness.
– Vegetables: Add bok choy, spinach, or bean sprouts for extra nutrients.
– Spices: Love heat? Throw in some extra chilli flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
– Crispy Shallots or Fried Garlic: Sprinkle some on top for added crunch and flavour.
A Bowl That Warms the Soul
Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or a pho fanatic, Vietnamese chicken meatball soup is a must-try. It’s the ultimate comfort food – warming, nourishing, and packed with flavour. The next time you’re craving something cosy yet exciting, whip up a bowl of this delicious chicken meatball pho.
So, are you ready to treat yourself to a bowl of this delightful soup? Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!