Bulgarian Meatball Soup
Supa Topcheta
A comforting and flavorful soup featuring small, tender meatballs, rice, and vegetables simmered in a savory broth. Often finished with a touch of yogurt and lemon for a bright, tangy finish.
๐ง Ingredients
- 400 g Ground pork(or a mix of pork and beef)
- 6 tbsp White rice(uncooked)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped, for meatballs)
- 1 large Egg(for meatballs)
- 1 tsp Dried savory(or oregano)
- 1.5 tsp Salt(divided)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(divided)
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour(for rolling meatballs)
- 6 cups Water
- 2 cubes Beef bouillon cubes
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(peeled and chopped)
- 0.5 bunch Green onions(sliced)
- 0.5 bunch Parsley(minced, for garnish)
- 0.5 cup Plain yogurt(for serving)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice(freshly squeezed, for serving)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
For the meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground pork, 3 tbsp uncooked rice, finely chopped onion, egg, savory, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form into small, 1-inch meatballs. Roll lightly in flour and set aside.
๐ก Tip: Cook the remaining 3 tbsp rice separately with 1/4 cup water until water is absorbed. Rinse with cold water and cool before adding to the meat mixture if you prefer a firmer meatball. - 2
In a large pot, combine water, bouillon cubes, remaining 1 tsp salt, and remaining 1/2 tsp pepper. Add the sliced carrots and chopped tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
๐ก Tip: You can also add other vegetables like potatoes or celery. - 3
Carefully add the floured meatballs to the boiling liquid. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
- 4
Add the remaining 3 tbsp uncooked rice (if not pre-cooked) and the sliced green onions to the pot. Cover and simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the meatballs are tender.
- 5
Just before serving, in a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt and lemon juice. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with a dollop of the yogurt-lemon mixture and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
๐ก Tip: Do not boil the soup after adding the yogurt mixture, as it may curdle.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor a richer broth, use chicken or vegetable stock instead of water.
- โThe size of the meatballs can be adjusted to your preference.
- โThis soup is excellent for a light lunch or a starter.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add small pasta shapes like orzo or fide noodles in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the vegetables for added depth of flavor.
- A pinch of paprika can be added to the broth for color and flavor.