Romanian Meatball Soup (Ciorbă de Perisoare)
Cozy Up with Ciorbă de Carnețe: A Romanian Meatball Soup That Warms the Soul
Looking for a hearty, flavorful soup that will transport you to the heart of Romania? Look no further than Ciorbă de Carnețe! This traditional Romanian soup, brimming with tender meatballs, vibrant vegetables, and a delightful tangy broth, is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. It’s a dish that’s been passed down through generations, and for good reason – it’s incredibly satisfying and packed with flavor.
Ciorbă (pronounced chor-bah) is a broad category of sour soups in Romanian cuisine, and Ciorbă de Carnețe specifically features small, flavorful meatballs (the carnețe). What sets this soup apart is the balance of savory meat, sweet vegetables, and a subtle sourness that awakens the palate. While traditionally a souring agent like bors (fermented wheat bran liquid) is used, this recipe achieves a similar effect through careful seasoning and simmering.
This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to Romanian cooking. The key is to build the flavors gradually, starting with browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking – a little extra savory or a touch more pepper can make all the difference.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Authentic Flavors: We’ve stayed true to the traditional Romanian flavors, using savory, and a blend of vegetables that create a truly authentic taste.
- Easy to Follow: The instructions are clear and concise, making it easy for even beginner cooks to create a delicious bowl of Ciorbă de Carnețe.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This soup is the ultimate comfort food – hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and lovage (or celery leaves).
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt can add a creamy richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is cimbrul?
A: Cimbrul is Romanian savory. If you can’t find it, a combination of dried thyme and oregano works as a great substitute.
Q: Can I use other vegetables in this soup?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips. Green beans and potatoes are fairly standard, but you can experiment with what you have on hand.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! Ciorbă de Carnețe actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, always double-check the ingredients you use to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.
Get ready to experience the warmth and comfort of Romanian cuisine with this delicious Ciorbă de Carnețe recipe!
Ciorbă de Carnețe (Romanian Meatball Soup)
Ingredients
- 1.5 liters Water
- 500 grams Beef or pork, cut into small cubes
- 2 medium Onions, chopped
- 2 large Carrots, sliced
- 1 parsnip Parsnip, sliced
- 200 grams Tomato paste
- 1 cup Cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup Green beans, chopped
- 1 cup Potatoes, diced
- 1 tbsp Dried savory (cimbrul) Or 1 tbsp dried thyme and 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Salt To taste
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper To taste
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
- 1/4 cup Fresh lovage, chopped Or celery leaves
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the oil and brown the meat cubes. Remove the meat and set aside.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add the sliced carrots and parsnip and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Return the meat to the pot. Add the water, salt, and savory. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add the shredded cabbage, chopped green beans, and diced potatoes. Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and lovage. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot.
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