Hearty Vietnamese Chicken Meatball Vermicelli Soup

This tasty Vietnamese Chicken Meatball Vermicelli Soup is a delightful and aromatic meal that is light yet full of flavor. The dish features tender chicken meatballs, fresh herbs, and vermicelli noodles, all brought together in a savory broth. It's perfect for a comforting meal, any day of the week.

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:- 1 lb ground chicken- 1 clove garlic, minced- 1 small shallot, finely chopped- 1 tbsp fish sauce- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro- 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint- 1 tsp sugar- 1 tsp salt- 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the soup:- 1 tbsp vegetable oil- 1 medium onion, sliced- 2 cloves garlic, minced- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced- 8 cups chicken broth- 2 tbsp fish sauce- 1 tbsp soy sauce- 1 tsp sugar- 1 package of vermicelli noodles- Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, basil, chopped)- Lime wedges- Chili slices (optional)

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the meatballs**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped shallot, fish sauce, cilantro, mint, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs and set aside.

2. **Cook the meatballs**: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and fully cooked through. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.

3. **Prepare the broth**: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

4. **Create the soup**: Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to simmer and add fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Let the broth simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. **Cook the noodles**: While the broth is simmering, follow the package instructions to cook the vermicelli noodles. Drain and set aside.

6. **Combine and serve**: Add the cooked meatballs to the broth and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Divide the cooked vermicelli noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and meatballs over the noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and optional chili slices.

7. **Enjoy your meal**: Serve the hearty Vietnamese Chicken Meatball Vermicelli Soup hot and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures.

This dish is a perfect mix of savory broth, tender meatballs, and aromatic herbs, making it a fantastic and satisfying meal.