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Authentic Romanian Meatball Soup (Ciorbă de Perișoare) Recipe ✨🍽️
A traditional Romanian Meatball Soup (Ciorbă de Perișoare) packed with tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a slightly sour broth. This comforting soup is gluten-free, full of flavor, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground meat (pork, beef, turkey, or lamb)
- ¼ cup white rice (arborio, carnaroli, or omit for Paleo/Whole30)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Soup Base:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 parsley root, diced (or substitute parsnip)
- 1 small celery root, diced (or substitute celery ribs)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp dried lovage (or substitute fresh parsley + celery leaves)
- Juice of 1-2 lemons (to taste)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes & Sides:
- Sour cream
- Crusty rye bread
- Pickled or fresh chili peppers
- Extra lemon wedges or vinegar
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, rice, egg, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and shape into small, bite-sized meatballs. (Tip: Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking!)
- Set aside while you prepare the soup base.
Make the Soup Base
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
- Sauté onion, carrots, bell pepper, parsley root, and celery root until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in tomato paste and mix well.
- Pour in chicken broth, add bay leaves and dried lovage.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
Cook the Meatballs
- Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Do not stir immediately, or they may break apart.
- Let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook and the flavors to meld.
Add the Sour Touch
- Squeeze in fresh lemon juice, starting with 1 tablespoon at a time, and adjust to your preference.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and remove bay leaves.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Romanian Meatball Soup ❤️
- Rich & Flavorful: A perfect blend of savory, tangy, and herby flavors.
- Nutritious & Filling: Packed with protein, veggies, and healthy fats.
- Quick & Easy: Unlike many traditional soups that require hours to cook, this comes together in about 45 minutes!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze leftovers for a rainy day.
- Gluten-Free & Easily Adaptable: Can be made Whole30 and Paleo-friendly with simple swaps.
Expert Tips & Tricks 🔮
- Use Ground Turkey for the Softest Meatballs: It requires less cooking time and keeps the broth light.
- Want a Thicker Soup? The rice naturally thickens the broth as it cooks. If avoiding grains, add 1/4 cup almond flour instead.
- Tomato Paste Over Puree: Adds rich tomato flavor without an overly thick consistency.
- No Borș Available? Lemon juice is the perfect substitute for authentic Romanian sourness.
- Make Ahead & Freeze: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What to Serve with Romanian Meatball Soup 🍔🍽️
In Romania, ciorbă is almost always served with:- Sour Cream & Chili Peppers — A classic pairing.
- Crusty Rye Bread — Perfect for dipping.
- Vinegar or Extra Lemon — For an extra tangy kick.
FAQs ❓
Can I use other meats for the meatballs?
Yes! While pork is traditional, you can use beef, turkey, lamb, or a mix. Each type will slightly alter the texture and flavor.Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free chicken broth and omit rice if needed.How do I store leftovers?
- Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Store for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop.
