Hearty Meatball Soup

Meatball soup is a traditional and comforting dish, appreciated for the perfect balance between the fine texture of the meatballs and the flavor of the sour and aromatic broth. Thanks to simple ingredients such as minced meat and vegetables, this soup has become a symbol of Romanian hospitality. Ideal for cool days and family meals, it delights with its taste and simplicity.

This chicken meatball soup recipe is very tasty and filling, perfect for lunch or dinner. You can use any kind of meat, but I chose chicken because it is lighter and more diet-friendly. Meatball soup is a classic choice in Romanian cuisine.

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  Chop one of the onions and the carrot.
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  Cut the potatoes into medium-sized cubes.
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  Pour a little oil into a saucepan and add the onion, carrot, a teaspoon of tomato paste, peppers and tomatoes (I used jarred ones), but you can use fresh peppers and tomatoes.
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  Mix and cook for a few minutes over low heat.
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  Pour in the water and add the potatoes to the saucepan. Turn up the heat on the stove to bring it to a boil.
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  Add: salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, ground coriander, thyme.
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  Add the finely grated onion and garlic to the minced chicken, or use a meat grinder. Then add salt, ground black pepper, paprika, and ground coriander. Mix the mixture with your hands.
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  Form small meatballs and place them on a plate sprinkled with a little water.
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  Once the water has started boiling, you can gently add the meatballs one by one. Leave the heat on high for a little while longer until the water starts boiling again after you have added the meatballs, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook the soup for 25-30 minutes.
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  Add the noodles to the soup and boil for a few more minutes, depending on how long the noodles you are using take to cook.
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  After boiling the noodles, turn off the heat and add a pinch of citric acid to give it a slightly sour taste. Then finely chop the parsley and add it to the soup.
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  The meatball soup is ready.
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  Pour into a plate and serve. Enjoy your meal!