Creamy Frikadelle Soup with Chickpeas

This delightful dish is a comforting soup that combines the richness of minced pork frikadelles with the hearty texture of chickpeas. The combination of fresh vegetables like carrots and potatoes adds a vibrant flavor, while a hint of spices elevates the taste profile. Preparing the chickpeas in advance ensures they soften perfectly, blending with the creamy broth to create a delightful texture. With a simple preparation process, this soup proves to be both nourishing and fulfilling. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this dish packs a savory punch while remaining light on the palate. Adding sour cream and fresh green onions provides a refreshing contrast and a creamy consistency. Serve as a standalone meal or accompany it with a slice of rustic bread for added satisfaction. The warm, comforting qualities of this dish make it perfect for chilly evenings or for impressing guests with a homemade treat. Dive into the heartwarming experience of this aromatic and flavorsome soup.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 150 g uncooked chickpeas
• 300 g minced pork
• 4 small fresh carrots
• 2 medium-sized fresh potatoes
• 1 small onion

Spices & Sauces

• Salt
• Pepper
• Sour cream
• Green onions

Preparation Time

60 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Chickpeas: Soak the chickpeas in cold water for at least 5 hours or overnight, ensuring they become soft.
2. Start Cooking: Drain the soaked chickpeas and place them in a pot filled with fresh water. Boil and occasionally skim the foam from the surface.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel the carrots and potatoes. Slice them into rounds and small pieces, then set them aside while the chickpeas continue to cook.
4. Frikadelle Mixture: Peel and finely chop the onion. Add it to the minced pork. Season with salt and pepper, mixing and kneading thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
5. Form Frikadelles: Shape the minced meat mixture into small balls. Optional: add a bit of soaked white bread for tenderness in the frikadelles but omit if not preferred for a firmer texture.
6. Add Frikadelles to Soup: Once the chickpeas have softened, add the frikadelles to the pot with the chickpeas and boil. Remove any foam that rises to the surface.
7. Integrate Vegetables: Add the prepared potatoes and carrots to the pot along with bay leaf, peppercorns, and salt. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the carrots are tender.
8. Finish with Creaminess: Stir in sour cream and chop some fresh green onions to garnish the soup.
9. Taste & Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
10. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Tips

• Chickpea Soaking: Always soak chickpeas for at least 5 hours for better texture.
• Frikadelle Binder: Consider adding breadcrumbs for a softer frikadelle.
• Vegetable Cutting: The size of the vegetable pieces will affect cooking time; adjust as necessary.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approx. 350 per serving
• Protein: 22g
• Fats: 19g
• Carbs: 25g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute minced pork with a plant-based meat alternative or chickpeas alone.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder for heat.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure no bread is used in the frikadelle mixture if required.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.
• Garnish with additional sour cream for extra creaminess.
• Serve with a glass of crisp white wine or refreshing iced tea.

Best Places

• Café Central - Classic European café known for its traditional soups and dishes. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Gumbo Limbo - Offers a seaside dining experience with a variety of international soups. Location: Sea Beach Blvd, Nassau, Bahamas.
• Borsalino's - Rustic eatery famous for its hearty meals and cozy ambiance. Location: Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy.
• SoupKitchen - Urban spot with a creative twist on traditional soups. Location: Spitalfields Market, London, UK.
• Le Soupe - Boutique bistro focused on artisanal soup-making. Location: Rue du Petit-Chêne 11, Lausanne, Switzerland.
• The Soup House - Offers a wide range of health-focused, hearty soups. Location: Main St, Vancouver, Canada.
• Hearty Bowls & Brews - Specializes in soup and craft beer pairings. Location: Broadway, New York, USA.
• Zupas Galore - A beloved spot known for diverse and flavorful soups. Location: Lindener Marktplatz 4, Hanover, Germany.
• Casa di Minestrone - Renowned for its authentic minestrone soup. Location: Via Garibaldi, Florence, Italy.
• Pho Garden - Famed for its Eastern-inspired soup dishes. Location: Nguyen Trai St, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.