Transylvanian meatball soup

Ciorba Ardeleneenească de Perișoare - A Delicacy for Winters Recipes

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ciorba ardelenească de perișoare is a dish that combines culinary tradition with the rich flavors of fresh ingredients. This recipe is a real culinary treasure, bringing together influences from different regions and offering a tasty and comforting experience, perfect for cold winter days. Soup is a great way to bring the family together, and this version of soup with parsnips is sure to become everyone's favorite.

Essential ingredients:
- 500g minced pork and beef (choose fresh meat for better flavor)
- 1 beef bone (for a rich and flavorful broth)
- 1 large white onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 potato
- 1 slice celery
- 4 tablespoons rice (an ingredient that adds consistency)
- A handful of flour (to shape the meatballs)
- 4 l water + 500 ml additional water
- ½ cup sour pickled cucumber juice (for a vibrant taste)
- 3 finely chopped parsley leaves
- 1 dill leaf, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (to bind the parsnips)

Step by Step - Your Culinary Guide

1. Preparing the beef bone: Start by washing the beef bone thoroughly under cold running water. This step is essential to remove impurities. Then put the bone in a pot with 500 ml of water and bring it to the boil. After boiling, rinse it again under cold water. This process will ensure a clear, clean broth.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Peel the onion, carrot, potato and celery. Chop them finely so that they cook evenly. These vegetables will add fantastic flavor to your soup.

3. Boiling broth: In a large pot, add 4 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt and the previously prepared beef bone and simmer for 15 minutes. This is the ideal time to let the flavors reveal themselves.

4. Adding the vegetables: After the 15 minutes, add the chopped vegetables. Let them simmer with the beef bone to blend the flavors.

5. Preparing the meatballs: In the meantime, wash the rice and boil it in 500 ml water with a little salt for 5 minutes. Once cooked, drain and leave to cool. In a bowl, combine the minced meat, cooked rice, beaten egg, salt and pepper to taste. Knead well to homogenize.

6. Forming the meatballs: Using your palms, form nut-sized meatballs. If you want a crunchier texture, you can quickly dred them in flour before adding them to the soup.

7. Cook the meatballs: When the vegetables are cooked, carefully add the meatballs to the pot. Simmer for about 20 minutes. This time will allow the meatballs to cook perfectly, becoming juicy and flavorful.

8. Finalizing the soup: After the 20 minutes, add the sour juice from the cucumbers and simmer for another 5 minutes. Then add the chopped parsley and chopped dill. Turn off the heat, cover the pot with a lid and let the soup rest for 5 minutes. This step is essential as it will allow the flavors to develop.

9. Serving: Serve the parsnip soup warm, alongside a generous dollop of cream and perhaps a few chili peppers for a little spice. Don't forget to add a slice of fresh, oven-baked bread to complete the meal.

Useful tips:
- Choose good quality fresh meat for a more intense flavor and tender texture.
- If you like stronger flavors, add other spices such as paprika or thyme.
- The soup can be refrigerated for several days and frozen for later.
- If you want to diversify the recipe, add vegetables such as peas or green beans.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
This Ardelenian parsnip soup is not only tasty, but also nutritious. It contains protein from meat, carbohydrates from rice and vitamin-packed vegetables. One serving of soup has about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of cream added. It's a hearty meal that will warm and energize you on cold days.

Ciorba ardelenească de perișoare is more than just a simple dish; it's a recipe steeped in history and tradition, brought to your table with love. Whether you prepare it for a family gathering or a cozy dinner at home, every bite is an invitation to the warmth and joy of traditional cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of pork and beef? Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken, but the taste will be different.
2. What type of water should I use? Filtered water or mineral water is ideal for a clean and tasty broth.
3. How long can I refrigerate the broth? The broth keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it's best to eat it as soon as possible to savor the fresh flavors.

Ideal combinations:
Ciorba ardelenească de perișoare can be perfectly combined with a cabbage salad or assorted pickles. Also, a glass of white wine or a lager could add some extra flavor to your meal.

Let this recipe bring joy to your kitchen and don't forget to share it with your loved ones. Every spoonful is a journey into the heart of culinary traditions, and the end result is sure to be a source of pride. Enjoy!