Bulgarian Meatball Soup (Supa Topcheta)
Supa topcheta is a popular Bulgarian soup.
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
6 Tbsp rice
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried savory
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
6 cups water
2 beef bouillon cubes
½ bunch green onions, sliced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and sliced thin
3 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
½ bunch parsley, minced
1 egg
1 lemon, juiced
Combine beef, rice, paprika, and savory.
Season to taste with salt and pepper, and mix lightly but thoroughly.
Form mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls, then roll in flour.
Combine water, bouillon cubes, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, green onions, green pepper, carrots, and tomatoes in large pot. Cover, bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes.
30 minutes
Add meatballs, cover, and bring to boil again. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.
20 minutes
Add chiles and simmer, covered, 40 minutes or until rice is cooked.
40 minutes
Add parsley during last 5 minutes of cooking time. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed.
5 minutes
Just before serving, beat egg with lemon juice. Stir 1 to 2 tablespoons hot soup into egg mixture, then stir egg mixture into soup.
Heat gently, stirring, until soup is thickened slightly, but do not allow to boil.