Creamy Armenian Yogurt Soup with Meatballs
This delightful Armenian dish, lovingly passed down from my mother, combines the comforting flavors of meatballs and tangy yogurt. The delicate meatballs made from ground beef and cracked wheat are simmered in a rich yogurt soup that is both hearty and refreshing. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this soup showcases a beautiful blend of spices and ingredients, creating a warm and inviting meal that embodies the essence of Armenian cuisine.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (raw)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
cracked wheat
2 cups (rinsed and drained)
small onion
1 (minced)
dry red pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
egg
2 (separated for meatballs and yogurt mixture)
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
plain yogurt
32 ounces (full-fat preferred)
dried mint
2 tablespoons (crushed)
chicken broth
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (low-sodium recommended)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cracked wheat, minced onion, salt, dry red pepper, black pepper, and one egg. For a finer blend, you may use a food processor to mix until well combined.
2
Once mixed, dampen your hands with cold water and roll the mixture into small meatballs, approximately the size of a quarter. Set aside.
3
In another bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, remaining egg, and dried mint until smooth and well incorporated.
4
In a large pot, heat the chicken broth and water over medium heat. Gradually stir in the yogurt mixture, ensuring to keep stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
5
Once the soup reaches a near boil, slowly add the meatballs to the pot. Let them simmer gently for about 10 minutes until cooked through.
6
Just before serving, stir in the butter until melted and fully incorporated into the soup. For an extra touch of richness, consider placing a small pat of butter inside each meatball before cooking, or freeze them beforehand for a delightful surprise.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
25g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Armenian Yogurt Soup with Meatballs?
It is a traditional Armenian dish featuring ground beef and cracked wheat meatballs simmered in a tangy, creamy yogurt-based broth.
What are the main ingredients in the meatballs?
The meatballs consist of ground beef, cracked wheat, minced onion, salt, dry red pepper, black pepper, and one egg.
How should I prepare the cracked wheat?
The cracked wheat should be thoroughly rinsed and drained before being mixed with the other meatball ingredients.
What type of yogurt is best for this recipe?
Full-fat plain yogurt is preferred for its creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling in the soup?
Whisk the yogurt with an egg and stir it continuously as you gradually add it to the broth.
Can I use a food processor for the meatballs?
Yes, you can use a food processor to mix the meatball ingredients for a finer, more consistent blend.
What size should the meatballs be?
The mixture should be rolled into small meatballs approximately the size of a quarter.
How long do the meatballs need to cook?
The meatballs should simmer gently in the soup for about 10 minutes until they are fully cooked through.
Is it possible to substitute the ground beef?
While ground beef is traditional, you could substitute it with ground lamb or turkey if you prefer.
What spices are used to season the meatballs?
The meatballs are seasoned with salt, dry red pepper, and black pepper.
Why is dried mint added to the yogurt?
Dried mint provides a refreshing herbal note that balances the tanginess of the yogurt.
How many eggs are required for the entire recipe?
Two eggs are required: one for the meatball mixture and one for the yogurt base.
What kind of broth is recommended?
Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to allow for better control of the soup's saltiness.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe calls for two 14.5-ounce cans of chicken broth.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving of this Armenian yogurt soup.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 7g of fat.
What is the protein content of this soup?
This soup provides about 13g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the purpose of adding butter at the end?
Butter is stirred in at the end to add richness and a smooth finish to the soup.
Is there a secret tip for the meatballs?
For extra richness, you can place a small pat of butter inside each meatball before cooking.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing is not recommended as the yogurt base may separate and lose its creamy texture when thawed.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is bulgur or cracked wheat?
Bulgur is a parboiled cracked wheat common in Mediterranean and Armenian cooking that adds texture and fiber.
Should I use fresh or dried mint?
This recipe specifically calls for dried crushed mint for a more concentrated flavor.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a traditional family recipe.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 11 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth if you prefer a different flavor profile.
What preparation is needed for the onion?
The onion should be finely minced so it blends well into the meatball mixture.
How do I keep the meat mixture from sticking to my hands?
Dampen your hands with cold water before rolling the meatballs to prevent sticking.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Absolutely, it is described as an inviting meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights.