Romanian Meatball Soup, also known as Ciorba de Perisoare, is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. This comforting soup is packed full of flavor, easy to make, and sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of tender meatballs, aromatic herbs, and savory broth creates a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
- Quick prep time: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
- Perfect for meal prep: This soup reheats beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
For Meatballs:
- Ground pork or ground beef: Provides a rich and savory base for the meatballs.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps the meatballs hold their shape.
- Dill and parsley: Add freshness and flavor to the meatballs.
- Rice and breadcrumbs: Help to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
- Salt and pepper: Season the meatballs to perfection.
For Soup:
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables.
- Onion, carrots, and celery: Create a flavorful base for the soup.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Chicken broth and water: Form the base of the soup.
- Vegeta or chicken bouillon: Enhances the savory flavor of the broth.
- Lemon juice and lovage: Brighten the soup with a hint of acidity and freshness.
- Egg: Adds richness and texture to the soup.
- Parsley: For garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine ground pork or beef, egg, dill, parsley, rice, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and form into small meatballs.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for a few minutes.
- Add chicken broth, water, vegeta or chicken bouillon, lemon juice, and lovage. Bring to a simmer.
- Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering soup and cook until they are cooked through.
- Slowly pour beaten egg into the soup, stirring gently to create ribbons of egg.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Helpful Tips:
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs.
- To make this soup vegetarian, swap the meatballs for meatless alternatives like lentil or mushroom balls.
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use lean ground meat for the meatballs to prevent them from becoming too greasy.
- Let the soup simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Serving Suggestions:
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or a side of fluffy rice. A crisp salad or pickled vegetables make a refreshing accompaniment. For a complete meal, serve with a glass of chilled white wine or a fruity iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftover soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to thin out the broth. Stir well to recombine any separated ingredients and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, you can freeze the soup without the egg. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding the beaten egg at the end.
- Can I use different herbs in the meatballs?
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs like mint, cilantro, or basil to customize the flavor of the meatballs.
- Can I make this soup in advance?
- This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have had time to develop. Simply reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion:
Romanian Meatball Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to warm your heart and soul. With its delicious meatballs, savory broth, and aromatic herbs, this soup is a must-try for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Romanian comfort food at home!
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Romanian Meatball Soup (Ciorba de Perisoare)
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Romanian
Description
Romanian Meatball Soup, known as Ciorba de Perisoare, is a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender meatballs, vegetables, and a savory broth. This traditional Romanian soup is a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For Meatballs
- 1 pound ground pork (or ground beef)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons dill (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
- ¼ cup rice (long grain and uncooked)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
For Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 large carrots (chopped)
- 2 stalks celery (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 4 cups water
- ½ teaspoon vegeta (or 1 chicken bouillon)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons lovage (chopped)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground pork, egg, dill, parsley, rice, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
- Make Soup: Heat olive oil in a pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery. Add salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Pour in chicken broth, water, and vegeta. Add meatballs, lemon juice, and lovage. Simmer until meatballs are cooked.
- Finish Soup: Slowly pour beaten egg into the soup while stirring. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use ground beef instead of pork for a different flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers for extra nourishment.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg