Name: Romanian Ciorbă de Perișoare (Meatball Soup)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 400 g ground pork (or beef/pork mix); 1 small onion, grated; 1 egg; 3 tbsp uncooked rice; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 tbsp chopped parsley; 1 tsp semolina (optional for texture); 1 large carrot, diced; 1 small celery root, diced; 1 parsnip, diced; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 bell pepper, finely chopped; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 ½ l chicken or beef broth; 100 ml sour cream (for finishing); 1 egg yolk; 2 tbsp vinegar or juice of 1 lemon; 2 tbsp oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh lovage or parsley for garnish

DifficultyBeginner

CategoryBeef, Meat, Pork, Soups

Ciorbă de Perișoare is a traditional Romanian sour soup brimming with tender pork and rice meatballs, vegetables, and a signature tang from lemon or vinegar. Comforting, hearty, and full of homey flavor, it’s a cornerstone of Romanian family meals.

Yields6 Servings

Prep Time30 minsCook Time45 minsTotal Time1 hr 15 mins

For the Meatballs (Perișoare)

400 g ground pork (or beef/pork mix)

1 small onion, grated

1 egg

3 tbsp uncooked rice

Salt & pepper to taste

1 tbsp chopped parsley

1 tsp semolina (optional for texture)

For the Soup

1 large carrot, diced

1 small celery root, diced

1 parsnip, diced

1 onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper, finely chopped

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 ½ l chicken or beef broth

100 ml sour cream (for finishing)

1 egg yolk

2 tbsp vinegar or juice of 1 lemon

2 tbsp oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped fresh lovage or parsley for garnish

Prepare the Meatballs

In a bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until combined.
Form small meatballs (about 2-3 cm in diameter).
Set aside on a plate while you prep the soup.

Start the Soup Base

In a large pot, heat oil and sauté onion until translucent.
Add carrot, celery, parsnip, and bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.

Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Carefully add the meatballs. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30–35 minutes, until veggies and rice are tender.

Sour & Finish

Adjust salt and pepper.
Add lemon juice or vinegar to your taste.
Whisk the egg yolk with sour cream. Temper with a ladle of hot soup, then stir gently into the pot (don't boil after this step).

Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh lovage or parsley.
Serve hot with crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream.

Ingredients