Bozbashi (Georgian Meatball Soup)
Bozbashi is a hearty and flavorful soup popular in Georgia and across the Caucasus. While variations exist, the Georgian version often features tender meatballs made from lamb or beef, simmered in a rich broth with vegetables like potatoes and onions. It's known for its comforting and satisfying nature.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground lamb or beef
- 2 medium Onion(1 finely chopped for meatballs, 1 sliced for soup)
- 2 tbsp Rice(uncooked, rinsed)
- 1 large Egg(for meatballs)
- 2 tbsp Fresh coriander(chopped, for meatballs)
- 0.5 tsp Cumin(for meatballs)
- 0.25 tsp Cinnamon(for meatballs)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(for meatballs)
- to taste Salt
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Butter or oil(for sautéing onions)
- 6 cups Water or broth
- 1 Bay leaf
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
To make the meatballs, combine the ground meat, finely chopped onion, rinsed rice, egg, chopped coriander, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and form into small, uniform meatballs.
💡 Tip: Ensure the rice is well-rinsed to prevent the meatballs from becoming too starchy. - 2
In a large pot, sauté the sliced onion in butter or oil until softened and lightly golden.
- 3
Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Pour in the water or broth, add the bay leaf, and bring to a boil.
- 4
Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling broth. Add the cubed potatoes. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the meatballs are cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
💡 Tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the initial boiling. - 5
Season the soup with salt to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
💡 Tip: Bozbashi is best served hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use lamb fat in the meatballs.
- ✓Some Kakhetian variations omit meatballs and focus on a clear lamb broth with vegetables.
- ✓Other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers can be added for more flavor and texture.
🔄 Variations
- Add split peas to the soup for extra heartiness.
- Include chopped apples for a subtle sweetness.
- A touch of pomegranate molasses can add a tangy depth.