Thai-Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup

Thai-Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup

(From the New York Times)

Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1 (4-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled
6 garlic cloves, peeled
1 jalapeno
2 pounds ground chicken
1 large bunch cilantro, leaves and stems finely chopped, a few whole leaves reserved for serving
3 tablespoons fish sauce
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more as needed
2 cups chicken broth
1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
5 ounces baby spinach
1 tablespoon lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving
Steam white rice for serving

STEP 1: Using the small holes of a box grater, or a microplane, grate the ginger and jalapeño (or finely chop them by hand or even use a small food processor). Transfer half to a large bowl and set the rest aside. To the large bowl, add the chicken, finely chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons fish sauce and 1 teaspoon salt. Use your hands or a fork to fully combine but do not overmix.

STEP 2: Use your hands or an ice cream scoop to form 2-inch meatballs (about 2 ounces each). In a large dutch oven or pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs in a single layer and cook, flipping halfway through, until golden brown on two sides, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and repeat, adding oil as needed.

STEP 3: Once all the meatballs are browned and out of the pot, if the oil is burned, wipe it out and add a bit more to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium, add the reserved ginger mixture and sauce until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth, coconut milk, sugar, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and bring to a simmer. Add the meatballs and any juices from plate, and simmer until the flavors come together and the meatballs are cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes.

STEP 4: Remove from heat, and stir in the spinach and lime juice. Divide rice among bowls, then top with meatballs, broth, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.


Notes:

• Meatballs might fall apart. Some note to add a bit of panko and egg to the meatballs to hold them together.
• Could bake the meatballs on parchment in the oven at 425 for 20 minutes.
• Some say to double to jalapeño.
• Add some lemongrass to the broth.