Backroads Romania | Milk Street TV Season 9, Episode 15

ground meat

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

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

rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: bulgur

Quinoa offers more protein, while bulgur is budget-friendly.

tomato paste

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes provide a lighter flavor, while canned is more economical.

egg

🥗Healthier: flaxseed meal

💰Cheaper: cornstarch

Flaxseed meal is a vegan alternative, while cornstarch is a cost-effective binder.

Start by making rice using short grain rice.

Sauté diced onions and celery in olive oil with salt and pepper until softened.

Add minced dill stems to the sautéed mixture.

Pour in beef broth and water, add bay leaves, and simmer for about 15 minutes.

In a bowl, combine ground meat, egg, sautéed onion mixture, salt, pepper, dill, and sweet paprika to make meatballs.

Form about 16 meatballs, adjusting size as needed.

Add meatballs to the simmering soup and cook for another 15 minutes.

Finish the soup by adding a fermented liquid like vinegar or borch.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary