Today I want to share with you a delicious recipe for Ciorbă de Perișoare, a traditional Romanian meatball soup. This dish is absolutely mouthwatering and will surely satisfy your taste buds. So, let’s dive in and discover how to prepare this wonderful soup!
Ciorbă de Perișoare
Ingredients:
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 small parsnip, grated
- 2 tablespoons of rice
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 liter of beef or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, grated parsnip, rice, egg, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a walnut.
- In a large pot, bring the beef or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the bay leaf.
- Gently drop the meatballs into the boiling broth. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Remove the bay leaf and garnish the soup with fresh parsley.
How to Prepare:
To prepare the Ciorbă de Perișoare, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure you have fresh ground beef, as it will give the meatballs a juicy and tender texture. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
Grate the carrot and parsnip, and set them aside. These vegetables will add a delicious flavor and texture to the meatballs. The rice will act as a binder, helping to keep the meatballs together.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot and parsnip, rice, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a walnut. You can adjust the size according to your preference, but keep in mind that they will expand slightly when cooked in the soup.
In a large pot, bring the beef or vegetable broth to a boil. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use homemade beef broth. Add a bay leaf to enhance the aroma of the soup.
Gently drop the meatballs into the boiling broth. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, as the meatballs need space to cook properly. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. You can test one meatball by cutting it in half to make sure it’s no longer pink in the center.
Remove the bay leaf and garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley. The vibrant green color of the parsley will add a pop of freshness to the dish and enhance its visual appeal.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this Ciorbă de Perișoare recipe is approximately 30 minutes, including the time it takes to shape the meatballs.
Servings:
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, depending on the serving size.
Nutrition Facts:
As this is a homemade recipe, the exact nutrition facts may vary. However, a serving of Ciorbă de Perișoare typically contains around 300-350 calories, with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice to the soup just before serving. It will add a tangy and refreshing twist to the dish.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a few tablespoons of tomato paste to the broth. It will give the soup a richer and more intense flavor.
- Ciorbă de Perișoare can be served as a standalone dish or accompanied by a slice of crusty bread. It makes for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
A: Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or pork instead of beef. The choice of meat depends on your personal preference.
Q: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs for later use. Simply place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Q: Can I make the soup vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or use a combination of vegetables and grains to make vegan meatballs. The rest of the ingredients and instructions remain the same.
So there you have it - a delightful recipe for Ciorbă de Perișoare that will impress your family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy this comforting and flavorsome soup. Bon appétit!
