Meatball soup (Ciorbă de perișoare) is one of the most beloved Romanian dishes, a soul-warming recipe that brings back memories of traditional family meals. With tender meatballs made from pork, enriched with rice and flavored with fresh herbs, this soup stands out for its slightly tangy and balanced taste, thanks to the borscht or lemon juice added at the end. It is a rich and comforting dish, perfect for hearty lunches that bring together the simple yet full flavors of Romanian cuisine.
Every step of the recipe contributes to its unique charm – from the sautéed vegetables that create the aromatic base of the soup, to the small and tender meatballs that perfectly absorb the intense and tangy taste of the broth. Served hot, with fresh lovage and a sprinkle of parsley on top, Romanian meatball soup offers an explosion of flavors and a refreshing note that perfectly complements the rich texture of the dish.
Alongside hot chili peppers and homemade bread, ciorbă de perișoare becomes a complete experience, a true symbol of authentic Romanian cuisine. Whether enjoyed on a chilly winter’s day or at a festive meal, this soup remains a recipe that brings both comfort and joy to the table.
Ingredients
For the soup:
1 carrot
1 parsley root
1/2 small celery root
1 bell pepper
1 large onion
2–3 tablespoons oil
2 liters water or meat broth (preferably beef or chicken)
300 ml borscht (or the juice of 1–2 lemons)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 bunch fresh lovage (for garnish)
1 bunch fresh parsley
For the meatballs:
500 g ground pork or a pork-and-beef mix
1 small onion, finely chopped
50 g rice
1 egg
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 bunch dill or parsley, finely chopped
Instructions for Romanian Meatball Soup (Ciorbă de perișoare)
Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables
Peel and finely chop the carrot, parsley root, celery root, bell pepper, and onion.
In a large pot, heat the oil and add the chopped vegetables. Sauté them for a few minutes, until they become slightly golden and soft, to release a rich aroma.
Step 2: Cooking the Soup Base
Add the water or meat broth over the vegetables and let it simmer on medium heat until the vegetables are almost cooked (about 15–20 minutes).
Step 3: Preparing the Meatballs
In a bowl, mix the ground meat with the chopped onion, the washed and drained rice, the egg, salt, pepper, and finely chopped herbs.
Knead the mixture well and shape it into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
Step 4: Adding the Meatballs to the Soup
When the vegetables in the soup are almost cooked, carefully add the meatballs, one by one, to prevent them from sticking together.
Let the meatball soup simmer on low heat for about 20–30 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the rice inside them is soft.
Step 5: Adding the Borscht (Sour Element)
In a small saucepan, bring the borscht to a boil, then pour it into the pot of soup.
If you prefer a milder sour taste, add the borscht gradually and taste as you go until you reach the desired intensity.
Let the sour soup simmer for a few more minutes after adding the borscht. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Garnishing and Serving
Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped lovage and parsley over the soup for extra flavor and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Ciorbă de perișoare is best served hot, alongside fresh bread and hot chili peppers. This dish is ideal for family lunches, where the tangy broth and the tender, flavorful meatballs turn it into a comforting and traditional Romanian recipe, full of authentic taste.
Questions & Answers about Chicken Paprikash with Potatoes
What makes chicken paprikash with potatoes so special in Transylvanian cuisine?
Chicken paprikash with potatoes is special because of the combination of authentic flavors: sweet paprika, creamy sour cream, and fresh parsley, all coming together to create a hearty and comforting dish. It is a symbol of Transylvanian hospitality, often served at family gatherings.
How do you achieve a creamy and consistent sauce for paprikash?
For a creamy sauce, the sour cream must be mixed with flour until smooth, then tempered with hot sauce from the pot before being added back. This process prevents lumps from forming and ensures a silky, consistent texture.
Why is paprika so important in paprikash?
Paprika adds color, flavor, and a slightly sweet note to the dish. In Transylvanian cooking, paprika is an essential ingredient that gives paprikash its authentic and traditional taste.
What type of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
Chicken with bone and skin is best, as it adds a rich flavor to the sauce. Alternatively, free-range chicken can be used, which requires a longer cooking time but delivers a more intense taste.
How can the spices be customized for a more intense flavor?
Paprikash can be customized by adding smoked paprika, crushed garlic, or even chili peppers for a spicy kick. Thyme or bay leaves can also be included to enhance the flavor profile with a subtle freshness.
How should the potatoes be prepared to absorb the flavors of the paprikash?
The potatoes should be cut into large cubes and added to the pot when the chicken is nearly tender. This allows them to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become soft without falling apart.
What is the role of sour cream in chicken paprikash with potatoes?
Sour cream gives the sauce a creamy texture and balances the flavors with a slightly tangy note. It is essential for creating an authentic and delicious paprikash.
What garnishes or side dishes go well with paprikash?
Chicken paprikash with potatoes is traditionally served with fresh bread or polenta. Pickles or a fresh cabbage salad are also excellent choices to complete the meal.
How can paprikash be transformed into a vegetarian dish?
The chicken can be replaced with mushrooms or tofu, and sour cream can be substituted with plant-based sour cream. The potatoes and sautéed vegetables will still preserve the authenticity of the flavor.
Why is chicken paprikash with potatoes considered a comforting dish?
Its rich flavor, creamy texture, and simple combination of ingredients make it an ideal dish to provide comfort and energy on chilly days. Paprikash evokes warm family meals and moments spent together around the table.
