Romanian Meatball Soup (Ciorbă de Perişoare)

Ciorbă de Perişoare is a traditional Romanian meatball soup that is both hearty and comforting. This soup is a staple in Romanian cuisine and is often enjoyed during the cold winter months.

Romanian Meatball Soup (Ciorbă de Perişoare)

Ingredients

  • 500g ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons rice
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 celery root, grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1.5 liters beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, chopped onion, eggs, and rice. Season with salt and pepper, then form small meatballs.
  2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the grated carrot, celery root, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Pour the beef or vegetable broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Add the tomato paste and bay leaf, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  4. Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the rice is tender.
  5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
40 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per serving
Carbohydrates
15g
Protein
20g
Fat
10g

Supplies

Large bowl Large pot Stirring spoon Serving bowls

Tools

Cutting board Knife Measuring spoons Measuring cup

Serving suggestions

Serve the Ciorbă de Perişoare with a side of crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the soup just before serving.

Cost

$15