This chicken soup is so tasty and comforting that you’ll want to make it every week. The tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth pair perfectly with the rich and cheesy balls, making this soup a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

Chicken fillet: 2 pieces (300 g) – Adds protein and a rich, savory flavor.
Potatoes: 3 pieces (450 g) – Provides heartiness and texture.
Carrot: 1 piece – Adds a touch of sweetness and color.

Onion: 1 piece – Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic qualities.
Dill: A couple of sprigs – Adds a fresh, herby note to the soup.
Salt: To taste – Balances and enhances the flavors.

Ground black pepper: To taste – Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
Bay leaf: 1 piece – Infuses the soup with a warm, earthy flavor.

For the Cheese Balls:

Cheese: 100 g – Grated cheese adds a rich, creamy texture to the balls.
Butter: 20 g – Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
Egg: 1 piece – Acts as a binder and adds a touch of fluffiness.

Flour: 100 g – Provides structure to the cheese balls.
Dill: A couple of sprigs – Adds a fresh, herby flavor to the cheese balls.
Salt: A pinch – Enhances the flavor of the cheese balls.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base

Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken fillets in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken, let it cool, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes, carrot, and onion. Add them to the pot with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Season the Soup: Add salt, black pepper, bay leaf, and chopped dill to the pot. Let the soup simmer on low heat while you prepare the cheese balls.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Balls

Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese, softened butter, egg, flour, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a dough forms.
Form the Balls: Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls, about the size of a walnut.
Cook the Cheese Balls: Drop the cheese balls into the simmering soup. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese balls are cooked through and float to the top.

Step 3: Serve the Soup

Finish the Soup: Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include some of the cheese balls in each serving. Garnish with extra fresh dill if desired.

Tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh dill and high-quality cheese will elevate the flavor of this soup.

Customize the Cheese Balls: You can add a pinch of paprika or garlic powder to the cheese ball mixture for an extra kick.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or peas to the soup for added texture and flavor.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling to prevent the cheese balls from becoming too soft.
Freeze: If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so without the cheese balls. Add freshly made cheese balls when reheating.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the cheese balls?

Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, gouda, or even a mix of cheeses.

2. What can I substitute for dill if I don’t have any?

You can use parsley, chives, or even a bit of thyme as a substitute for dill.

3. Can I make the cheese balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese balls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before adding them to the soup.

4. Can I add noodles or pasta to this soup?

Absolutely! Adding some noodles or small pasta shapes can make this soup even heartier.

5. What side dishes go well with this soup?

Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

This chicken soup with cheese balls is a delightful and hearty dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and cheesy, herby balls makes this soup both comforting and satisfying. It’s an easy recipe that you’ll find yourself making over and over again, especially during the colder months. Enjoy this delicious, warm bowl of goodness with your family or friends, and make it a regular part of your meal rotation!