Turkish Wedding Soup

Ingredients

• 1 liter (4 cups) chicken or beef stock 1 liter (4 cups) chicken or beef stock
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1/4 cup rice 1/4 cup rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving) Lemon wedges (for serving)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring the chicken or beef stock to a boil.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. 4.
   Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling stock and reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. 5.
   Cook the meatballs for about 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender.
6. 6.
   Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Turkish Wedding Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Use lean ground beef for healthier meatballs. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use a combination of ground beef and ground lamb.
• Rice — Rinse the rice before adding it to the meatball mixture to remove excess starch and prevent the meatballs from becoming too sticky.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add a handful of cooked chickpeas or lentils to the soup for added texture and nutrition.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Turkish Wedding Soup is best served hot. Garnish each bowl with a generous amount of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors.

Presentation advice

Serve the Turkish Wedding Soup in individual bowls, making sure to showcase the vibrant colors of the meatballs and the fresh herbs. Pair it with a rustic bread basket for a visually appealing presentation.