Romanian Meatball Soup
Romanian Meatball Soup, known as Ciorbă de Perișoare, is a traditional sour soup made with tender pork meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a light tomato-based br…
Keywords
Ingredients
2 tbsp
Onion
large, chopped
1 unit
Carrot
grated
1 unit
Parsnip
grated
1 unit
Red Bell Pepper
finely chopped
1 unit
2 tbsp
Water
or 2 liters
8 cups
Tomato Juice
or crushed tomatoes
200 ml
Salt
to taste
1 tbsp
Black Pepper
to taste
1 tbsp
Lovage
fresh, chopped
1 unit
Parsley
fresh, chopped
1 unit
Ground Pork
mince
500 g
Rice
rinsed
2 tbsp
1 unit
Sour Cream
for serving
1 tbsp
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the grated carrot, parsnip, and bell pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the water or stock. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Meanwhile, prepare the meatballs by combining ground meat, rice, grated onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form small meatballs.
- Lower the heat and carefully add the meatballs to the simmering soup.
- Add the tomato juice or crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 30–35 minutes, until the meatballs and rice are fully cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finish with freshly chopped lovage or parsley.
- Serve hot, with a spoon of sour cream and fresh bread on the side. For an authentic Romanian experience, enjoy with hot chili peppers.
