Venison Cheese Ball Soup
Venison Cheese Ball Soup Recipe - Delicious and Wholesome Meal Option
Introduction
Venison Cheese Ball Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the rich flavors of venison with the creamy texture of cheese balls in a savory tomato-based soup. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family.
History
Venison Cheese Ball Soup has its roots in traditional American cuisine, where venison is a popular meat choice for its lean and gamey flavor. The addition of cheese balls adds a unique twist to the classic tomato soup, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) ground venison
- 1 tbsp margarine
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 28 oz (794 g) can whole tomatoes, mashed
- 18 oz (510 g) tomato juice
- 15 oz (425 g) can tomato sauce
- 15 oz (425 g) can pinto beans
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 dash pepper
- 2 eggs
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 0.5 tsp thyme leaves
- 0.5 cup finely rolled saltine cracker crumbs
- 4 cup shredded cabbage
How to prepare
- Brown the meat in margarine and set it aside to cool.
- Place the onion, garlic, tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato sauce, beans, Worcestershire sauce, basil, and pepper in a large covered kettle.
- Bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Combine the eggs, Parmesan cheese, thyme, crackers, and browned venison.
- Mix them well, then shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- When the soup has simmered for 30 minutes, stir in the cabbage and drop in the venison cheese balls.
- Cover and simmer for another 30 minutes.
Variations
- Substitute ground beef or turkey for the venison for a different flavor profile.
- Add diced vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to brown the venison well to enhance its flavor before adding it to the soup.
- Rolling the cheese mixture into balls can be a messy process, so wetting your hands with water can help prevent sticking.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences, adding more or less basil, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Venison Cheese Ball Soup hot with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Browning the venison adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious end result.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use ground beef or turkey instead of venison.
- Substitute Italian seasoning for the basil and thyme.
Make Ahead Tips
The cheese balls can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- The soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the soup with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color. - Serve the soup in individual bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the Venison Cheese Ball Soup with a glass of red wine or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
320 per serving
Carbohydrates
24g per serving
Fats
12g per serving
Proteins
22g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.
Alergens
Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and gluten (cracker crumbs).
Summary
This dish is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, but it is also high in fat and carbohydrates.
Summary
Venison Cheese Ball Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that had once belonged to my dear friend Martha. Martha was a fantastic cook, and she had a knack for collecting unique and delicious recipes from all over the world.
As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and tattered scraps of paper, a small, folded piece of parchment caught my eye. Written in Martha's elegant handwriting was a recipe for Venison Cheese Ball Soup. I had never heard of such a dish before, but the combination of flavors intrigued me. I knew I had to give it a try.
The recipe called for venison, a type of meat that was not commonly found in my kitchen. Luckily, my neighbor, Mr. Johnson, was an avid hunter and often shared his bounty with me. I paid him a visit and asked if he had any venison on hand. He smiled and handed me a package of freshly butchered meat, telling me that it would be perfect for the soup.
I gathered the rest of the ingredients – cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic, onion, and a few spices – and set to work in the kitchen. The process of making the cheese ball was simple yet satisfying. I mixed the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic, and onion together until they formed a smooth, creamy mixture. I rolled it into a ball and placed it in the refrigerator to chill.
Next, I diced the venison into small, bite-sized pieces and browned them in a hot skillet. The smell of sizzling meat filled the air, mingling with the savory aroma of garlic and onions. Once the venison was cooked through, I added it to a pot of simmering broth and let it stew for a few minutes to infuse the flavors.
Finally, it was time to add the cheese ball to the soup. I carefully dropped it into the pot, watching as it melted into the rich, savory broth. The creaminess of the cheese combined with the earthy flavor of the venison created a harmonious blend that was unlike anything I had ever tasted.
I ladled myself a steaming bowl of Venison Cheese Ball Soup and took a tentative sip. The warmth of the broth spread through me, comforting and satisfying. The tender chunks of venison melted in my mouth, while the creamy cheese ball added a luxurious touch.
I closed my eyes and savored each spoonful, feeling grateful for Martha's recipe and Mr. Johnson's generosity. This soup was a true masterpiece – a testament to the power of good food and good company.
From that day on, Venison Cheese Ball Soup became a staple in my kitchen. I shared the recipe with friends and family, each time adding my own twist or variation. Some preferred it with a hint of spice, others with a splash of cream. But no matter how it was prepared, the soup always brought a smile to the faces of those who tasted it.
As I sit here writing this, with a bowl of Venison Cheese Ball Soup steaming in front of me, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life come from unexpected places – a tattered recipe box, a generous neighbor, and a love for good food shared with those we hold dear.
Categories
| Cabbage Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Egg Recipes | Parmesan Cheese Recipes | Pinto Bean Recipes | Soup Recipes | Tomato Recipes | Venison Recipes |