Rivvel Soup Recipe – Traditional Mennonite Dinner Recipes

Rivvel Soup, also known as Mennonite Noodle Soup, is a timeless comfort dish that brings warmth and tradition to the table. Made with a rich chicken broth, tender rivvels (crumbly dough pieces), and optional garden vegetables, this simple yet hearty soup has been a staple for generations. Perfect for cozy family dinners or Sunday gatherings, Rivvel Soup embodies the heart of Mennonite cooking—wholesome, easy, and deeply satisfying.

If you’re looking for a homemade soup that’s budget-friendly, filling, and guaranteed to become a family favorite, this Rivvel Soup recipe is the one you’ll want to keep on repeat.

What is Rivvel Soup?

Rivvel Soup, also known as Noodle Soup is a cornerstone of Mennonite cuisine, particularly beloved for Sunday dinners and special occasions. But really, what is a rivvel? And why soup? Sounds a little like a spelling test, doesn’t it? Some might say it’s because Mennonites love simplicity – simple ingredients, simple names. Others whisper (with a knowing wink) that it’s a way to sneakily make noodles without all the fuss of actually rolling them out.

Legend has it that a harried farm wife accidentally dropped bits of dough into her broth, and voilà! Rivvel Soup was born. Whatever the reason, this soup is pure comfort in a bowl. After all, everyone knows the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!, so ditch the takeout menu and try this wholesome recipe. It’s sure to become a family favorite!

Key Ingredients for Rivvel Soup:

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting classic:

• 8 cups chicken broth (homemade preferred!)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional additions: diced carrots, celery, onion, chopped parsley

How to Make Rivvel Soup:

This Rivvel Soup is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a comforting Sunday meal. It’s a delicious and hearty dish that will impress your family and friends! It takes about 45 minutes to make.

The creamy broth and tender rivvels create a satisfying texture, while the simple seasonings enhance the dish’s natural flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Make the Rivvels: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, softened butter, egg, salt, and pepper until a crumbly mixture forms. This is your rivvel dough!
3. Add Vegetables (Optional): If desired, add diced carrots, celery, and onion to the simmering broth. Cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Drop the Rivvels: Using a spoon or your fingers, pinch off small pieces of the rivvel dough and drop them into the simmering broth. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, work in batches if needed.
5. Cook the Rivvels: Allow the rivvels to cook in the simmering broth for about 10-15 minutes, or until they rise to the surface and lose their doughy appearance. Stir gently occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Stir in chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love Rivvel Soup

Rivvel Soup is a true comfort food classic. The main highlight of this dish is its simplicity and wholesome nature. Made with basic ingredients, it delivers a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly day. Moreover, making Rivvel Soup at home is incredibly cost-saving. You can control the quality of the ingredients and avoid the preservatives and additives found in store-bought soups. The addition of vegetables like carrots and celery not only enhances the flavor but also adds nutritional value to the dish.

The creamy texture and subtle spices make it a delightful experience for your taste buds. If you enjoy similar creamy soups, you might also want to explore Cream of Chicken Soup, but Rivvel Soup stands out for its unique dumpling-like rivvels. Why not give this comforting and budget-friendly recipe a try?

What to Serve Rivvel Soup With:

Rivvel Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to complement it:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up all that delicious broth.
• Simple Salad: A light, refreshing salad balances the richness of the soup. Try a mixed green salad with a vinaigrette.
• Homemade Pickles or Relish: The tangy flavors of pickles or relish provide a pleasant contrast to the savory soup.
• Sandwiches: Grilled cheese or simple ham sandwiches.
• Pie: A sweet ending to a comforting meal.

Top Tips for Perfecting Rivvel Soup:

• Homemade Broth is Best: If possible, use homemade chicken broth for the richest flavor.
• Don’t Overmix the Rivvel Dough: Overmixing will result in tough rivvels. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Drop Rivvels Sparingly: Adding too many rivvels at once can cause them to stick together and the soup to become too thick.
• Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too thin, let the rivvels cook for a few minutes longer.
• Add Seasonings Carefully: Start with the recommended amount of salt and pepper, then taste and adjust as needed.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover Rivvel Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overheat it.
• Freezing: Rivvel Soup can be frozen for longer storage. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating from Frozen: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a little extra broth as the rivvels can absorb moisture during freezing.

Final Thoughts:

Rivvel Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of tradition, a symbol of family, and a warm hug in a bowl. This simple yet satisfying soup is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner or any time you need a little comfort. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and enjoy a bowl of Rivvel Soup together!

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Rivvel Soup

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• Author: Ruthie Miller
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Rivvel Soup, also known as Mennonite Noodle Soup, is a wholesome comfort dish made with chicken broth and rustic rivvels—crumbly dough pieces dropped into the simmering pot. It’s hearty, simple, and perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 8 cups chicken broth (homemade preferred)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: diced carrots
• Optional: diced celery
• Optional: diced onion
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, softened butter, egg, salt, and pepper until a crumbly dough forms.
3. If using, add diced carrots, celery, and onion to the simmering broth. Cook 10–15 minutes until tender.
4. Pinch off small pieces of dough and drop them into the simmering broth, working in batches if needed.
5. Cook rivvels 10–15 minutes until they rise and lose their doughy appearance, stirring occasionally.
6. Adjust seasoning and stir in parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For the best flavor, use homemade chicken broth. Work quickly when dropping rivvels so they cook evenly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mennonite

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 55mg