Dive into a comforting bowl of delicious Mushroom Meatball Soup, a hearty and flavorful recipe perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy family dinner. This isn't your average meatball soup; we're elevating the classic with earthy mushrooms, adding depth and richness to every spoonful. Imagine tender, savory meatballs swimming in a fragrant broth, infused with the subtle sweetness of carrots and the aromatic notes of herbs. The secret? A simple yet effective combination of ingredients that creates a surprisingly complex and satisfying taste experience.
This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. Ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of warmth and delicious aromas? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of this unbelievably satisfying Mushroom Meatball Soup.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Gloves
Ingredients
- Ground pork: 300g
- Tofu: 3 pieces
- Wood ear mushrooms: 10g
- Enoki mushrooms: 150g
- Straw mushrooms: 100g
- Shallots: 4
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Onion: a little
- Cilantro: a little
- Seasoning powder
- Sugar
- Cornstarch: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Fish sauce
- Tapioca starch: 1 spoon
- MSG: 1/3 spoon
- Salt
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Meatballs
- Soak wood ear mushrooms for about half an hour. Wash and cut all vegetables (shallots, garlic, onion, cilantro, mushrooms). Cut tofu into small pieces.
- Mix ground pork with chopped wood ear mushrooms, half of the garlic, seasoning powder, sugar, cornstarch, ground pepper, fish sauce, and tapioca starch. Add cooking oil to prevent sticking. Roll into small meatballs.
Step 2. Cook the Soup Base and Meatballs
- Heat cooking oil in a pot, sauté remaining onion and garlic until fragrant. Add 1 liter of water and bring to a boil. Add meatballs, mushrooms, and simmer for 4 minutes.
Step 3. Season and Add Tofu
- Add seasoning powder, MSG, sugar, fish sauce, salt, and ground pepper. Stir well to dissolve. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Add cooked tofu and simmer for another 2 minutes.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add green onions and cilantro. Serve hot.
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- Use ground pork with fat for more delicious meatballs.
- Chop the meat roughly to make it chewy.
- Soak mushrooms in salt water to clean them.
- Adding tapioca starch helps the meatballs to be firmer and prevents the soup from being too dry.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when adding meatballs; add them gently to prevent them from falling apart.
- Stir the soup gently in a circle to avoid a smoky smell.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
Absolutely! Frozen meatballs will work perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the soup.
2. What kind of mushrooms are best for this recipe?
Cremini mushrooms are a great choice, but you can use any kind you like – button, shiitake, or even a mix! Just make sure to chop them to a similar size.
This Mushroom Meatball Soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. From weeknight dinners to special gatherings, its comforting flavors will leave everyone wanting more. So grab your ingredients and get cooking – enjoy the delicious results!