Porcupine Soup Recipe

Porcupine soup might sound unusual, but this hearty dish is simpler than it seems. The name comes from the way the rice in the meatballs creates a spiky look, a bit like a quill. These are not made from actual porcupine. Instead, this soup uses basic ingredients such as ground beef and white rice to form a satisfying meal that fits busy weeknights.

You simmer these juicy meatballs in a savory broth until the rice is tender, resulting in a perfect meal that is both nourishing and flavorful. This easy porcupine soup is a fun twist on meatball soup, and it brings joy to anyone who tries it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

People often look for new and comforting soups to add variety to their cooking routine. This porcupine soup recipe stands out from many meatball recipes because of the way the uncooked rice pokes out of the meatball mixture, giving it a spiky texture. It adds interest to your table and appeals to both children and adults. You can make porcupine meatballs with ground beef and rice, or mix ground pork for extra flavor. The base of the soup includes a combination of bone broth, vegetables like celery and onion, and a hint of seasoning that brings everything together.

If you enjoy soups with hearty components, you will appreciate this dish. The flavorful meatballs are made with a mixture of ground meat, garlic powder, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a balanced flavor profile. Because you use white rice inside the meatballs, each spoonful offers a blend of protein, grains, and savory broth. Many readers say they are going to have to try it once they see how easy it is to put together. Whether you are new to cooking or have plenty of experience, you will find this soup a simple recipe that feels both homey and special at the same time.

Ingredients for Porcupine Soup Recipe

Below is a detailed list of everything you will need. This section helps you gather items in one place, ensuring that you have everything ready before you begin. Many of these items may already be in your kitchen, so review them to ensure you do not miss anything.

1. Ground Meat Options
   • Ground Beef (1 pound): This provides richness and depth. If you prefer something leaner, consider using a mixture of ground pork and ground beef.
   • Ground Pork (Optional, ½ pound): This can add a slightly different flavor and more moisture. If you do not eat pork, you can omit this and stick with ground beef alone.
2. Rice
   • White Rice (½ cup, uncooked): This is the key to creating the “spiky” look that gives porcupine meatball soup its fun name.
3. Onion (1 medium, minced)
   • Onion brings an aromatic base. Mince it well so the flavor distributes evenly in the meat mixture.
4. Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)
   • This ingredient adds a gentle kick. Fresh garlic can work too, but garlic powder keeps this dish easy to prepare.
5. Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon)
   • This ingredient offers depth and enhances the flavor profile. If you want to keep it paleo, you can consider using a paleo-friendly sauce or simply skip it. However, this sauce adds an interesting twist to the broth.
6. Seasoning Mix
   • Seasoning (1 teaspoon): This can be a blend of salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture, but be sure to incorporate the seasoning thoroughly.
7. Broth (6 cups)
   • You can use bone broth or regular beef broth. Bone broth helps increase the hearty feel and nutritional content.
8. Celery (1 rib, chopped)
   • This adds texture and mild flavor. It pairs well with onion.
9. Additional Vegetables
   • You can add 1 cup of chopped carrots or red potatoes for more substance. Red potatoes turn tender in the soup and bring a comforting element.
10. Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped)
    • This is perfect for a fresh garnish. You can also use parsley or dill if you like a slightly different taste.
11. Optional Add-Ons
    • Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): This is great if you want a final savory topping.
    • Half and Half (¼ cup): A small pour of this can create a creamier base, though this step is optional.
    • Sour Cream (2 tablespoons): Some cooks stir this in at the end to add creaminess.

These basic ingredients will get you started on your porcupine soup. Gather them, set them out, and get ready to assemble a delicious pot of comfort.

How to Make Porcupine Soup Recipe

This section guides you through the steps in a straightforward manner. Stick to these instructions for a satisfying result. Feel free to glance at this table of contents or the summary of steps before you start cooking.

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, and if you wish, ground pork. Add the onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, uncooked white rice, and seasoning. Mix gently.
   • Take care to avoid overmixing to prevent meatballs from becoming tough. This is the crucial meat mixture step that ensures a juicy texture.
2. Shape the Meatballs
   • Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form small spheres. Each meatball should be about one inch wide. The cookie scoop method helps you create evenly sized portions.
   • Remember that these are porcupine meatballs, so the white rice will poke out, giving that spiky effect. Press gently. You do not want to compress them too much.
3. Lightly Brown the Meatballs
   • Warm a stockpot or a deep saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of oil or consider using tallow for a different taste.
   • Place the raw meatballs in the warm pot. Brown them for about two minutes per side. Turn them carefully. If the meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef and ground pork, watch them closely to ensure they do not stick. Browning helps seal in flavor.
4. Create the Base of the Soup
   • Once the meatballs have a light brown exterior, remove them briefly from the pot.
   • In the same pot, sauté chopped celery and any additional vegetables like carrots or red potatoes. Stir for about five minutes. This step develops an aromatic base.
5. Combine the Broth and Meatballs
   • Return the meatballs to the pot.
   • Pour in the broth. If you want an extra boost, use bone broth. This is also the time to add 1 or 2 tablespoons water if the liquid level looks low.
   • Consider adding a pinch more seasoning if desired. This helps build layers of flavor as you continue cooking.
6. Simmer and Reduce Heat
   • Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low.
   • Cover and cook for about 20 minutes. This allows the rice in the meatballs to absorb liquid and become tender. Watch to make sure the soup does not bubble too rapidly.
7. Taste and Adjust
   • Sample the broth to see if it needs extra salt, pepper, or other spices.
   • If you want a creamier base, stir in half and half or sour cream. This step boosts creaminess, but you can skip it if you want a broth-focused version.
8. Finish and Garnish
   • When the rice is tender, remove the soup from heat.
   • Top with chopped parsley or dill, or sprinkle grated parmesan cheese for a final flourish.
   • This final step ensures a bright presentation and a pleasing taste.

With these steps, you will discover how to make meatball soup that has a playful twist and a hearty warmth. Take your time, be patient with the simmer, and soon you will have a pot of comforting goodness.

Serving and Storage Tips

1. Serving Suggestions
   • Crusty Bread: Serve a bowl of porcupine soup with a slice of crusty bread or dinner rolls. This helps soak up the savory broth.
   • Mashed Potatoes: Another fun idea is to spoon the soup over mashed potatoes if you enjoy pairing carbs with hearty soups.
   • Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley brightens the dish. This simple garnish is optional, but it looks appealing.
2. Storage
   • Leftover Soup: You can refrigerate leftover portions in airtight containers for up to three days.
   • Reheat: When you reheat it, warm it slowly in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Stir occasionally. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
   • Freeze: You can freeze porcupine soup for about two months. Let it cool before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop.

USDA Freezing and Food Safety: This guide provides comprehensive information on the safe freezing of various foods, including best practices and safety guidelines.

3. Prevent Overcook
   • Meatballs can break apart if you boil them for too long. Try to keep the soup at a gentle simmer to prevent meatballs from turning mushy.
4. Double Batch
   • This soup works well if you make a double batch. You can keep half in the freezer for a quick dinner on a busy evening.

With these tips, you can keep your soup fresh and appealing. Each portion will taste as good as the first bowl.

Helpful Notes

1. Cookie Scoop for Meatballs
   • A cookie scoop helps maintain consistent sizes. This step ensures uniform cooking. If you do not have one, shape by hand, but be careful about pressing too firmly.
2. Overmix vs. Avoid Overmixing
   • When you mix the meatball mixture, be gentle. Overmix can lead to tough meatballs. A light hand keeps them juicy.
3. Meat Choices
   • Ground beef is traditional, but you can use a leaner cut if you are looking for a lighter result. Some cooks add ground pork for more tenderness. If you want to try chicken meatballs, you can follow the same steps but watch cooking times since poultry cooks faster.
4. Paleo Adjustments
   • For a paleo spin, skip the Worcestershire sauce if it contains soy or added sugars. Check your bone broth to confirm it meets paleo standards, and avoid dairy-based toppings.
5. Consider Adding Extra Flavor
   • If you like bold tastes, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or extra garlic powder. Different palates appreciate varying levels of spice.
6. Tomato Soup Twist
   • Some people prefer using tomato soup or a tomato sauce made from fresh tomatoes in place of some of the broth. This adds a slightly tangy element. Feel free to experiment if your family likes tomato-based soups.
7. Cream of Mushroom Variation
   • If you enjoy mushrooms, stir in a can of cream of mushroom or a fresh mushroom purée. This creates a creamier texture, though you should watch the salt content and add 1 or 2 tablespoons water if you need extra liquid.
8. Meatballs Directly vs. Pre-Browning
   • You can add meatballs directly to the hot broth, but a quick browning step locks in flavor. This can give you a deeper taste. However, the raw meatballs method saves time.
9. Tallow Instead of Oil
   • Some prefer tallow instead of vegetable oil for browning. It offers a distinct taste and can be a good option for dairy-free diets.
10. Sauté for Depth

• Always sauté onion and celery before adding broth. This develops layers of taste. This small step has a big impact on the final dish.

11. Simple Recipe Tip

• If you feel that the soup’s steps are too involved, you can skip browning or skip chopping many vegetables. The result will still taste good, though you may miss out on some layers of flavor.

12. Busy Weeknights Shortcut

• You can form the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Thaw overnight or drop them in hot broth if you are short on time. Keep in mind that cooking from frozen may require a few extra minutes.

These notes can help you adapt the dish to suit your taste buds. You can also experiment with different variations as you get comfortable making porcupine soup. The spiky look, the hearty taste, and the ease of preparation will likely make this a go-to meal in your kitchen.

Conclusion

Porcupine soup delivers a hearty dining experience without fuss. The spiky rice effect in each meatball adds a sense of fun that many people appreciate. This soup is also flexible, allowing you to adjust vegetables, choose ground pork or stick with ground beef, and even shift the flavor profile by adding tomato soup or cream of mushroom. You can make porcupine meatballs with minimal effort and then cover and cook them to perfection. Serve with crusty bread, top with grated parmesan cheese, or enjoy them on their own.

If you give this soup a try, you will see how it fits many occasions, from simple family dinners to group gatherings. Feel free to share your experiences. Leave a comment and let others know your favorite tweaks or tips. Be sure to tag friends if you make this dish and discover how easy porcupine meals can delight the whole crew.

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Porcupine Soup Recipe

Rebecca Blumer

Experience the ultimate porcupine soup recipe with spiky meatballs and savory broth. Enjoy a warm dinner. Discover extra flavor!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb ground beef or ½ lb ground beef + ½ lb ground pork
• ½ cup white rice uncooked
• 1 medium onion minced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp seasoning salt, pepper, dried herbs
• 6 cups broth bone broth or beef broth
• 1 rib celery chopped
• 1 cup carrots or red potatoes chopped
• 2 tbsp parsley chopped

Optional Add-Ons:

• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese for garnish
• ¼ cup half and half for a creamier base
• 2 tbsp sour cream for extra creaminess

Instructions

 

1: Prepare the Meat Mixture:

• In a bowl, combine ground beef (or beef and pork mix), onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, rice, and seasoning.
• Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.

2: Shape the Meatballs:

• Form small 1-inch meatballs using your hands or a cookie scoop.
• Ensure rice is visible on the outside for the “porcupine” effect.

3: Brown the Meatballs:

• Heat a stockpot or deep saucepan over medium heat.
• Lightly brown the meatballs for about 2 minutes per side.

4: Prepare the Soup Base:

• Remove meatballs and sauté chopped celery and carrots (or potatoes) in the same pot for about 5 minutes.

5: Simmer the Soup:

• Return meatballs to the pot and pour in the broth.
• Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes until rice is tender.

6: Final Adjustments:

• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• If desired, stir in half and half or sour cream for a creamy texture.

7: Garnish and Serve:

• Remove from heat, top with fresh parsley, and sprinkle parmesan cheese if using.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugars: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g

 

Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided is estimated based on automated calculations and should be viewed as an approximation. These values are offered as a helpful reference and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate results, please consult your own nutritional data or preferred brand values.

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