Romanian Sour Soup with Meatballs (Ciorba de Perisoare)

ground pork

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground beef is often less expensive.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt maintains creaminess with fewer calories.

tomato paste

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes can be healthier, while canned is often cheaper.

bell pepper

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: frozen mixed vegetables

Zucchini is lower in calories, while frozen mixes can save money.

Mix ground pork, rice, chopped onion, grated carrot, chopped celery, and chopped bell pepper in a bowl.

Add egg, chopped parsley, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture; combine well.

Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.

Bring water to a boil in a large pot; add bay leaves and a pinch of salt.

Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling water; reduce heat to medium.

Cook meatballs for about 15 minutes until they are cooked through and float to the surface.

Remove meatballs with a slotted spoon and set aside.

In the same pot, add tomato paste and vinegar; stir to combine.

Add more water if needed to reach desired soup consistency; bring to a simmer.

Return the meatballs to the pot; simmer for another 10 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens