Romanian Ciorbă de Perișoare with Meatballs and Sour Broth
Ciorbă de perișoare is a traditional Romanian sour soup with meatballs, vegetables, and a tangy broth, ready in 60 minutes.
About This Recipe
Ciorbă de perișoare is a staple Romanian dish featuring tender meatballs in a tangy, sour broth. This soup is both comforting and rich in flavors.
Ciorbă de perișoare, or sour meatball soup, is a beloved dish in Romanian cuisine, often enjoyed during family gatherings. Its unique flavor profile comes from the combination of meatballs, vegetables, and a sour broth, which can be enhanced with lemon juice or vinegar.
This cooking method allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the broth while remaining moist and tender. The simmering process ensures that the broth becomes rich and flavorful, a hallmark of good ciorbă.
Expect a contrast in textures with the soft meatballs and vibrant vegetables. A common pitfall for home cooks is overcooking the meatballs, which can make them tough, so keep an eye on them during simmering.
Serve ciorbă de perișoare with crusty bread or a side of polenta for a hearty meal. Pairing it with a fresh salad can also balance the richness of the soup.
Why This Recipe Works
Flavor Layering: The combination of meat, vegetables, and sour notes creates a complex flavor profile.
Tender Meatballs: Simmering the meatballs in broth keeps them juicy and tender.
Balanced Acidity: Adding lemon juice or vinegar provides a refreshing tang that balances the richness.
Chef's Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking the meatballs by checking for doneness after 15 minutes of simmering.
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
60 min
Servings
Ingredients
Handy tools while you cook
Directions
- 1
In a bowl, mix ground pork, onion, grated carrots, rice, eggs, thyme, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
- 2
In a large pot, bring chicken stock to a boil and add diced bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the meatballs to the pot gently and simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- 4
Stir in tomato juice and lemon juice, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
fat
15g
carbs
30g
fiber
2g
sodium
600mg
protein
22g
calories
350
Related Kitchen Tips
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