If you’re looking for a dish that combines warmth, flavor, and tradition, Traditional Romanian Meatball Soup is the perfect recipe to try. Known as Ciorbă de Perișoare in Romania, this hearty soup is a staple in Romanian cuisine. It’s a comforting bowl of tender meatballs swimming in a tangy, herb-infused broth that’s perfect for cold days or when you crave a taste of home.

Why You’ll Love Traditional Romanian Meatball Soup

This soup is not only delicious but also carries a deep sense of culture and history. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your recipe collection:

• Comfort Food: A warm, filling dish that’s perfect for any season.\n- Rich in Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices makes every bite unforgettable.\n- Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with protein, vegetables, and a light broth.\n- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients for Traditional Romanian Meatball Soup

For the Meatballs

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground turkey (or a mix of beef and pork)	1 pound
Short-grain white rice	1/4 cup, rinsed
Fresh parsley (chopped)	1/4 cup
Fresh dill (chopped)	1/4 cup
Large egg	1
Kosher salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/4 teaspoon

For the Soup

Ingredient	Quantity
Olive oil	1 tablespoon
Carrots (diced)	2
Parsley root (or parsnip)	2 small, diced
Red bell pepper (diced)	1
Yellow onion (diced)	1
Celery root (or celery ribs)	1/2 small, diced
Kosher salt	1/4 teaspoon
Chicken broth	2 quarts
Tomato paste	1/4 cup
Dry lovage (or fresh)	1 tablespoon (or 1/4 cup fresh)
Bay leaves	2
Black pepper	1/4 teaspoon
Lemon juice	Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh parsley (chopped)	2 tablespoons
Sour cream	For serving
Green chili peppers	For serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, rice, parsley, dill, egg, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated, and the mixture becomes slightly sticky.
3. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and form small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet pan and refrigerate until ready to cook.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the carrots, parsley root, bell pepper, onion, and celery root. Season with a pinch of salt.
3. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Prepare the Broth

1. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
2. Gradually mix the tomato paste into the broth using a ladle and spoon to ensure it dissolves evenly.
3. Add the dry lovage, bay leaves, and black pepper. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a steady simmer.

4. Cook the Meatballs

1. Gently add the meatballs to the simmering broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are tender and the rice is cooked through.

5. Add the Finishing Touches

1. Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley, adjusting the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
2. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

6. Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and sliced green chili peppers, if desired.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread or as a standalone meal.

Tips for Making the Best Romanian Meatball Soup

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and dill are essential for authentic flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon: The tanginess balances the richness of the broth and meatballs.
• Prep in Advance: Form the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.
• Substitutions: If you can’t find celery root or parsley root, use regular celery and parsnip instead.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 bowl)
Calories	250
Protein	18g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	550mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

FAQs About Traditional Romanian Meatball Soup

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute for turkey or the beef-pork mix.

2. What if I don’t have lovage?
You can substitute it with celery leaves or parsley for a similar flavor.

3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently to avoid overcooking the meatballs.

4. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the ingredients you use (like broth and tomato paste) are certified gluten-free.

5. What other garnishes can I use?
Try fresh dill, grated Parmesan, or even a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

6. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can replace the meatballs with plant-based meat alternatives or omit them entirely and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.

Conclusion: Try Traditional Romanian Meatball Soup Today

Traditional Romanian Meatball Soup is a celebration of flavor, warmth, and tradition. Whether you’re exploring Romanian cuisine for the first time or craving a taste of home, this soup is sure to satisfy. Easy to prepare, deeply comforting, and endlessly customizable, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Ready to bring a taste of Romania to your kitchen? Gather your ingredients and enjoy this flavorful, hearty soup today!

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