Ever wondered how to turn simple ground meat and rice into a magically delicious and comforting soup that everyone, even the pickiest eaters, will gobble up? That’s right, we’re talking about Porcupine Soup Recipe! It might sound a little prickly, but trust me, this soup is all about warm, fuzzy feelings and happy bellies. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen, we’re going to make this classic dish super easy and fun!
What IS Porcupine Soup Anyway?
Okay, first things first: no actual porcupines are involved! The name comes from the way the rice sticks out of the meatballs while they cook in the tomatoey broth, making them look a bit like a cute, cuddly… well, you get the picture. It’s a hearty, homey soup that’s been a family favorite for generations, and for good reason!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Peasy: Seriously, this is one of those recipes where you can relax and enjoy the process. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the little ones who turn up their noses at everything will ask for seconds of this soup. The mild flavors and fun “porcupine” meatballs are a total win.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground meat, rice, and canned tomatoes? These are pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
- Customizable: Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Prefer different meat? No problem! This recipe is super flexible.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash? Yes, please! Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Okay, let’s gather our supplies. Here’s what you’ll need to make a Porcupine Soup Recipe that’ll knock your socks off:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 ¼ pounds lean ground beef (you can also use half ground beef and half ground pork for extra juiciness!)
- ⅓ cup long-grain rice
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder if you’re feeling lazy!)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley (optional, but adds a nice fresh flavor)
For the Soup:
- 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (10-ounce) can tomato soup
- ½ Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil, butter, or ghee
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 carrot diced
- 3 quarts chicken bone broth
- 3 Yukon gold potatoes peeled and diced
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious Porcupine Soup Recipe bubbling away in no time.
Get Your Meatball Mix Ready: In a big bowl, toss in the ground beef, rice, beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley (if you’re using it). Now, here’s the secret: mix it all together gently! You don’t want to overmix the meat, or your meatballs will be tough. Just combine everything until it’s nicely mixed. If the mixture seems a little dry, add a tablespoon or two of water to keep it moist.
Roll Those Meatballs: Now comes the fun part! Grab a spoonful of the meat mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball about 1 1/2 inches wide. Don’t worry about making them perfect, a little rustic charm is part of the deal! Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet.
Sauté the Veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrot, and cook until they start to soften, stirring every now and then. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes.
Add the liquid: Pour in the tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir it all together and bring it to a simmer.
Gently Drop in the Meatballs: Once the soup is simmering, carefully drop the meatballs into the pot one by one. Try not to overcrowd them, and make sure they’re mostly covered by the liquid.
Simmer, Simmer, Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid, turn the heat down to low, and let the soup simmer gently for 35-45 minutes, or until the rice in the meatballs is tender. You might want to stir it occasionally to prevent the meatballs from sticking to the bottom.
Add potatoes: Add diced potatoes and gently stir and continue to cook for 7-10 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
Taste and Season: Give the soup a taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Porcupine Soup Recipe into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and get ready for some serious comfort food bliss!
Tips for the BEST Porcupine Soup
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: I can’t stress this enough! Overmixing leads to tough meatballs, and nobody wants that.
- Get Creative with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, like diced celery, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just toss them in with the onions and carrots.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have a chance to meld together. So, feel free to make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Freeze it for Later: Porcupine Soup Recipe freezes beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- For super moist porcupine meatballs, use a mix of half ground beef and half pork.
- Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop out meatballs so that they all are evenly sized and cook uniformly in the pan.
Variations to Try
- Tomato Soup Swap: For a richer flavor, use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce instead of tomato soup.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a little kick.
- Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt into each bowl of soup for extra creaminess.
- Rice Alternatives: Get adventurous and try using different types of rice, like brown rice or wild rice. Just keep in mind that they may require a longer cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Porcupine Soup Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad adds a refreshing touch.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Because who doesn’t love grilled cheese with tomato soup?
In Conclusion
So there you have it, a super easy and incredibly delicious Porcupine Soup Recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and get ready to be amazed by how simple ingredients can transform into something truly special. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to increase the simmering time to ensure the rice is tender.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like diced celery, bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Add them to the pot along with the onions and carrots.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first. Then, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
How do I store leftover Porcupine Soup?
Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze Porcupine Soup?
Yes! Porcupine Soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
My meatballs fell apart in the soup. What did I do wrong?
This usually happens if the meatball mixture is too wet or if the soup is simmering too vigorously. Make sure to gently mix the meatball ingredients and maintain a low simmer.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can. Just keep in mind that ground turkey and chicken tend to be drier than ground beef, so you may need to add a little extra moisture to the meatball mixture.
What can I serve with Porcupine Soup?
Porcupine Soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add lentils or beans for extra protein.
