Description
Learn how to make delicious and hearty porcupine soup with our ultimate guide. Perfect for family meals and special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chopped tomatoes (or 2 cans of diced tomatoes)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground meat, 1/2 cup uncooked rice, half of the chopped onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a plate and set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop Vegetables: Dice the carrots and celery. Chop the remaining half of the onion and mince the remaining garlic cloves.
- Prepare Tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, chop them into small pieces. If using canned tomatoes, open the cans and set them aside.
3. Cook the Soup Base
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) and 4 cups of beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer the Soup
- Season the Soup: Add 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Add Meatballs
- Gently Add Meatballs: Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering soup, one at a time. Be gentle to prevent them from falling apart.
- Simmer Until Cooked: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6. Final Touches
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
- Remove Bay Leaves: Before serving, remove the bay leaves from the soup.
- Garnish: If desired, garnish the soup with fresh parsley or dill for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Using Homemade Broth: For a richer flavor, use homemade beef or chicken broth instead of store-bought. This enhances the overall taste and nutritional value.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Customize the spice level by adding ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
- Vegetarian Variation: Substitute the ground meat with a plant-based alternative like lentils or textured vegetable protein, and use vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version of porcupine soup.
- Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can puree a portion of the vegetables and broth using an immersion blender, then stir it back into the pot.
- Adding Greens: Incorporate greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.