Romanian Meatball Sour Soup (Ciorba de Perisoare)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 cup white rice
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• For the meatballs:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the paprika, chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, olive oil, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, paprika, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix until well combined.
5. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
6. Add the meatballs to the soup and simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Add the diced tomatoes, parsley, and dill and simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Stir in the rice and simmer for 10 minutes.
9. Add the sour cream and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.
10. Serve hot.

Interesting Facts

• Ciorba de Perisoare is a traditional Romanian soup.
• The soup is made with savory meatballs, tangy broth, and a variety of vegetables.
• It can be made in under an hour.