Warm up your kitchen and your heart with a delightful bowl of Tomato Leek Soup with Chicken Meatballs! This French-inspired dish combines the rich flavors of juicy chicken meatballs with the fresh, vibrant taste of tomatoes and leeks, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a hearty soup that serves four, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 leek, sliced
- 2 cans (400g each) diced tomatoes
- 500g ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs by combining ground chicken with dried basil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Gently mix until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form small, uniform meatballs approximately 1-inch in diameter using your hands. Set aside on a clean plate.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add sliced leeks and sauté until they become soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully drop the prepared chicken meatballs into the simmering soup. Ensure they are fully submerged.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing meatballs to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls, ensuring each portion has several meatballs.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Tips
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the soup after sautéing the leeks. Let it simmer for a minute before adding the tomatoes and broth.
- Meatball Perfection: When mixing the ground chicken, avoid overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender. Use a light hand when forming them to ensure they stay juicy.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs! Fresh thyme or oregano can add a lovely twist to the traditional basil flavor.
- Make Ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge. Just add them to the soup when you're ready to cook.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your soup with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top can also elevate the dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
