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Vermicelli Soup

Vermicelli Soup

Origin: DutchPeriod: Traditional

Vermicelli Soup is a traditional Dutch broth-based soup featuring delicate strands of vermicelli pasta suspended in a rich, clear beef or chicken stock, typically accompanied by small, finely seasoned meatballs composed of ground beef, fresh parsley, and aromatic celery. The dish is characterized by its clean, golden broth, tender pasta, and subtly spiced meatballs, which together produce a light yet nourishing composition. Rooted in Dutch culinary tradition, it reflects the broader Northern European preference for clear, restorative soups as a staple of home cooking and everyday family meals.

Cultural Significance

Vermicelli Soup holds a cherished place in traditional Dutch household cuisine, where it has long been served as a comforting starter or light main course, particularly during colder months. The dish exemplifies the Dutch culinary philosophy of simple, wholesome ingredients prepared with care, and it remains a nostalgic fixture in many Dutch family kitchens passed down through generations. Its presence in Dutch cookbooks and domestic menus spanning at least the nineteenth and twentieth centuries attests to its enduring role as a foundational recipe in the national culinary repertoire.

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Prep15 min
Cook25 min
Total40 min
Servings4
Difficultybeginner

Ingredients

Method

1
In a large pot, bring the beef or chicken stock to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
10 minutes
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with finely chopped fresh parsley and minced celery. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, then mix until well combined.
5 minutes
3
Using your hands or a small spoon, roll the meat mixture into very small, marble-sized meatballs approximately 1 centimeter in diameter. Place them on a clean plate as you work.
8 minutes
4
Gently drop the meatballs one by one into the simmering stock and cook until they are firm and cooked through. Skim any foam that rises to the surface to keep the broth clear.
8 minutes
5
Add the vermicelli pasta directly to the simmering soup and stir gently to prevent the strands from clumping together.
2 minutes
6
Cook the vermicelli until just tender according to the package instructions, being careful not to overcook as the pasta will continue to soften in the hot broth.
4 minutes
7
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving.
2 minutes