Balkan-style Meatball Soup

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the Romanian dish Ciorbă de Perişoare to Balkan cuisine, we have incorporated Balkan flavors and ingredients to create a unique and delicious meatball soup. While the original Romanian version often includes sour cream and lemon juice for a tangy flavor, the Balkan-style Meatball Soup focuses on the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the richness of the meatballs. Additionally, Balkan cuisine typically uses a wider variety of herbs and spices, such as paprika and oregano, which add depth and complexity to the soup. We alse have the original recipe for Ciorbă de Perişoare, so you can check it out.

• For the meatballs: For the meatballs:
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground pork 250g (8.8 oz) ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• For the soup: For the soup:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 4 cups (950ml) beef or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) beef or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 19g, 4g
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped parsley, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. 3.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the diced carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
5. 5.
   Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and water. Add the bay leaf, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Gently add the meatballs to the pot and bring the soup to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Balkan-style Meatball Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef and pork — Make sure to use lean ground meat for healthier meatballs. If desired, you can substitute with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
• Paprika — Choose a high-quality sweet or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor of the soup.
• Fresh parsley — For the best flavor, use fresh parsley as a garnish. It adds a touch of freshness to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to use.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
• Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Balkan-style Meatball Soup as a main course with crusty bread on the side. It is a complete and satisfying meal on its own.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprig of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve the soup in deep bowls to showcase the meatballs and vegetables.