Save This tangy sour cherry turkey meatball soup brings together the unexpected pairing of tart cherries and savory turkey meatballs for a comforting meal that brightens even the darkest winter day. The first time I created this recipe, I was looking for something to use up sour cherries from my summer harvest, and the combination was so delightful it became an instant family favorite.
I discovered this recipe during cherry season three years ago, and it has become our family tradition whenever sour cherries appear at the farmers market. My children now eagerly anticipate cherry season specifically for this soup.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey: The lean protein creates tender meatballs that absorb surrounding flavors beautifully. Look for turkey that is not too lean about 93 percent lean for best results.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder to keep meatballs together. Use room temperature for better mixing.
- Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and helps retain moisture. Panko works well for a lighter texture.
- Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and color. Choose flat leaf parsley for stronger flavor.
- Grated onion: Incorporates moisture and flavor without chunks. The finer the grate the better the texture.
- Minced garlic: Provides aromatic depth. Fresh is significantly better than jarred in this recipe.
- Salt: Enhances all flavors. Kosher salt works best for even distribution.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat. Freshly ground makes a noticeable difference.
- Smoked paprika: Contributes smoky complexity. Spanish varieties offer the richest flavor.
- Olive oil: Creates a flavor foundation. Extra virgin adds more character to the finished soup.
- Onion: Forms the aromatic base. Yellow onions work best for their balanced sweetness.
- Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and color. Choose firm bright orange specimens.
- Celery: Provides aromatic depth. Look for crisp stalks with fresh leaves.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Forms the liquid base. Homemade elevates this soup tremendously.
- Sour cherries: The star ingredient that provides tartness. Fresh or frozen both work well but avoid sweetened varieties.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and umami. Look for paste in tubes for better flavor preservation.
- Honey or maple syrup: Balances the tartness of cherries. Raw honey brings additional complexity.
- Bay leaf: Contributes subtle herbal notes. Turkish bay leaves have a more nuanced flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth that complements cherries. Ceylon cinnamon offers a more delicate flavor.
- Dried thyme: Provides herbal complexity. Crush between your fingers before adding to release oils.
- Salt and pepper: Seasoning to taste. Always taste before final seasoning.
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture:
- Combine ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, grated onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix which can make meatballs tough. The mixture should hold together but still feel light.
- Form the meatballs:
- With slightly damp hands to prevent sticking, gently roll the mixture into meatballs approximately 2 to 3 cm in diameter. Place formed meatballs on a tray or plate. You should get about 20 to 24 meatballs depending on exact size. Keeping them uniform ensures even cooking.
- Create the soup base:
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables soften and onions become translucent. This creates the aromatic foundation for your soup.
- Build flavor:
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for a full minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This step caramelizes the tomato paste, removing raw flavor and developing richness. The paste will darken slightly in color.
- Add liquids and seasonings:
- Pour in broth and add bay leaf, thyme, and cinnamon. Stir well to incorporate tomato paste completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, not a full boil. You should see small bubbles breaking the surface.
- Cook the meatballs:
- Gently drop formed turkey meatballs into the simmering broth one by one, being careful not to splash. Cover the pot and maintain a gentle simmer for 15 minutes. The meatballs will begin to firm up and cook through.
- Incorporate cherries:
- Add sour cherries along with any reserved juice and drizzle in honey or maple syrup. Stir gently to avoid breaking the meatballs. Continue simmering uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until meatballs are completely cooked through and cherries have softened and released their flavor.
- Finish and serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good balance of broth, meatballs, vegetables, and cherries. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desired.
Save The sour cherries are truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered their magic when my grandmother shared her traditional Polish soup recipe that used sour cherries. The way they balance the savory elements creates a unique flavor profile that surprises and delights everyone who tries it.
Perfect Cherry Selection
Finding the right cherries makes all the difference in this recipe. When fresh sour cherries are in season typically for just a few weeks in early summer snap them up quickly. Look for bright red firm cherries with a slight give when pressed. If using frozen cherries which work wonderfully thaw them completely and save all juices to add to the soup. In a pinch jarred sour cherries in water not syrup can substitute. Avoid sweet cherries as they lack the necessary acidity to balance the savory elements of this soup.
Make Ahead Options
This soup actually improves with time making it perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the entire soup up to three days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together creating an even more complex taste profile. When reheating bring to a gentle simmer rather than a full boil to preserve the texture of the meatballs. If the soup thickens too much during storage simply add a splash of broth when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own this soup pairs beautifully with complementary sides. Serve with a crusty whole grain bread for dipping or a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. For a complete meal add a dollop of Greek yogurt which adds creaminess and protein while complementing the tartness of the cherries. During summer months garnish with additional fresh cherries and herbs for a beautiful presentation that highlights seasonal produce.
Cultural Context
This soup draws inspiration from several culinary traditions. The combination of fruit and meat appears in Persian cooking where sweet and savory flavors often mingle. The use of sour cherries in savory dishes is common throughout Eastern European cuisines particularly in Polish and Hungarian cooking. The addition of cinnamon creates a subtle nod to Middle Eastern flavors where warm spices often complement fruit based dishes. This fusion of culinary traditions creates a unique dish that feels both familiar and exciting.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer version Use fresh sour cherries at peak ripeness and lighten the soup by using less broth for a more stew like consistency. Add fresh herbs like basil or mint for brightness. Fall variation Add diced butternut squash to the vegetable base and incorporate warming spices like a pinch of cloves or nutmeg alongside the cinnamon. Winter adaptation Increase the broth slightly for a more substantial soup and add a splash of red wine for depth. Serve with hearty whole grain bread.
Save The key is to mix just until ingredients are incorporated and no more. This ensures tender and delicious meatballs every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → What gives the soup its tangy flavor?
Sour cherries bring a natural tartness, balanced by honey or maple syrup and aromatic spices like cinnamon and thyme.
- → Can I substitute turkey with another protein?
Ground chicken works well in place of turkey for similarly tender, mild-flavored meatballs.
- → What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, pita, or a dollop of Greek yogurt pairs beautifully, adding texture and richness to the meal.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the meatballs and double-check broth ingredients to avoid gluten.
- → How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?
Mix ingredients gently, avoid overworking the mixture, and use a binder like egg and breadcrumb for better texture.
- → Can I use frozen sour cherries?
Yes, both fresh and frozen sour cherries work well. If using frozen, include the juices for extra flavor.