Ciorbă de perișoare, also known as Romanian meatball soup, is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for the cold winter months. This traditional Romanian recipe has been passed down through generations, and it never fails to impress with its rich flavors and hearty ingredients.
Ciorbă de perișoare - A Traditional Romanian Delight
One look at the vibrant colors of this dish, and you’ll be transported to the picturesque landscapes of Romania. The beef meatballs, tender vegetables, and flavorful broth come together to create a symphony of taste in every spoonful.
Ingredients:
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of rice
- 1 egg
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 parsnip, diced
- 1 celery root, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, rice, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately the size of a walnut.
3. In a large pot, heat some oil and sauté the diced carrots, parsnip, celery root, and bell pepper until they become tender.
4. Add the can of diced tomatoes and bay leaves to the pot. Stir well.
5. Gently place the meatballs into the pot, making sure they are fully submerged in the broth.
6. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked.
7. Serve the ciorbă de perișoare hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this recipe is approximately 1 hour, including chopping vegetables and shaping meatballs.
Tips:
1. To enhance the flavor of the soup, you can add a bit of paprika or dried dill to the broth.
2. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the broth.
3. Some people like to add a dash of lemon juice to their serving of ciorbă de perișoare for a tangy twist.
Servings:
This recipe serves approximately 4 people, depending on serving sizes.
Nutrition Facts:
While this dish is incredibly flavorful and satisfying, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes. Each serving of ciorbă de perișoare contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the size of the meatballs and the amount of vegetables used.
How to Prepare:
1. Start by preparing all the ingredients as mentioned in the recipe.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, rice, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture becomes pliable.
3. Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round meatballs, making sure they are evenly sized.
4. In a large pot, heat some oil and sauté the diced carrots, parsnip, celery root, and bell pepper until they become tender.
5. Add a can of diced tomatoes and bay leaves to the pot, stirring well to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
6. Gently place the meatballs into the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged in the broth.
7. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
8. Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef for the meatballs?
A: Absolutely! Ciorbă de perișoare can be made with any type of ground meat, including chicken, pork, or a combination of meats. Feel free to experiment with the flavors according to your preferences.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the ciorbă de perișoare in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: While the traditional recipe calls for meatballs, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with cooked lentils or chickpeas. The rest of the recipe remains the same, just omit the egg and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Ciorbă de perișoare is a classic Romanian dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Whether enjoyed as a starter or as a main course, this soup will delight your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Romania. Give this recipe a try and savor the flavors of a culinary tradition that spans generations.
