Name: GreatEasyRecipe.com
Price range: $

DifficultyBeginner

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.

[cooked-sharing]

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