Description
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful Romanian classic! Traditional Romanian Meatball Soup combines tender, herb-infused meatballs with a tangy and aromatic broth, making it a perfect dish for cozy nights or a taste of authentic Romanian cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground turkey (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
 - 1/4 cup short-grain white rice, rinsed
 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
 - 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
 - 1 large egg
 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
 
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
 - 2 carrots, diced
 - 2 small parsley roots (or parsnips), diced
 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
 - 1 yellow onion, diced
 - 1/2 small celery root (or 2 celery ribs), diced
 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
 - 2 quarts chicken broth
 - 1/4 cup tomato paste
 - 1 tablespoon dry lovage (or 1/4 cup fresh lovage leaves)
 - 2 bay leaves
 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
 - Juice of 1 lemon
 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
 - Sour cream (for serving)
 - Green chili peppers (optional, for garnish)
 
Instructions
Make the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, rice, parsley, dill, egg, salt, and pepper.
 - Mix until well incorporated and slightly sticky.
 - Wet your hands to prevent sticking, and shape the mixture into small 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a tray and refrigerate.
 
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
 - Add carrots, parsley root, bell pepper, onion, and celery root. Season with a pinch of salt.
 - Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes).
 
3. Prepare the Broth
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
 - Dissolve the tomato paste into the broth using a spoon.
 - Add dry lovage, bay leaves, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a steady simmer.
 
4. Cook the Meatballs
- Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth.
 - Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low.
 - Cook for about 30 minutes, until the meatballs are tender and the rice inside is fully cooked.
 
5. Add the Finishing Touches
- Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
 - Remove bay leaves before serving.
 
6. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
 - Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and sliced green chili peppers for an optional spicy kick.
 
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
 - Cook Time: 40 minutes
 - Category: Soup
 - Method: Simmering
 - Cuisine: omanian