Sour Soup with Fish Balls

Sour Soup with Fish Balls Recipe from Romania - Easy-to-Follow Recipe

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sour Soup with Fish Balls is a traditional Eastern European dish that is both flavorful and comforting. The tangy broth pairs perfectly with the delicate fish balls, creating a unique and delicious meal.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Eastern European countries such as Romania, Hungary, and Poland. It is often served during the colder months as a warming and nourishing dish.

Ingredients

2 qt / 2 liters water
0.5 qt / 0.5 liters borş or sauerkraut juice
1 lb / 500 g carp or pike
1 carrot
1 parsley root
2 onions
1 egg
1 tbsp oil
crustless slice of white bread
1 tbsp chopped mixed parsley and dill
salt
pepper

How to prepare

Begin by boiling thinly sliced onion, carrot, and parsley root along with the head and tail from the fish.
Next, skin the remaining fish, remove the bones, and grind it together with a slightly fried onion in oil and a slice of bread that has been moistened in milk or water and then squeezed.
Mix the ground fish with an egg, some chopped greens, salt, and pepper to form fish balls.
Once the head, tail, and vegetables are cooked, strain the liquid and remove the vegetables.
Also, remove the meat from the head and tail, sieve it, and add it back to the liquid.
Return the liquid to a boil and add the fish balls made from the ground mixture, along with borş or sauerkraut juice.
When the dish is almost done, add the chopped greens for added flavor.

Variations

Use different types of fish such as trout or salmon for a different flavor.
Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or tomatoes for added texture and color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove all bones from the fish when grinding it for the fish balls.

- Adding a slice of bread moistened in milk or water helps to bind the fish balls together.

- Adjust the seasoning of the broth to your taste by adding more salt and pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sour Soup with Fish Balls hot, garnished with fresh dill and a dollop of sour cream. It pairs well with crusty bread or boiled potatoes.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the vegetables and fish heads and tails helps to create a flavorful broth.

- Grinding the fish with a slice of bread helps to bind the fish balls together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use store-bought fish stock instead of making your own broth.

- Substitute the pike with another type of white fish if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fish balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. The broth can also be made in advance and reheated when needed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Sour Soup with Fish Balls in individual bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh dill. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer. A side salad or pickled vegetables make a great accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Fats: 8g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish, eggs, and gluten from the bread. It may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Sour Soup with Fish Balls is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sour Soup with Fish Balls is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The tangy broth and tender fish balls make for a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy this traditional Eastern European recipe with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Sour Soup with Fish Balls. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mrs. Lee in her quaint little kitchen in the countryside. Mrs. Lee was known for her delicious and inventive recipes, and I always looked forward to our cooking sessions together.

As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping on fragrant tea and chatting about our day, Mrs. Lee suddenly jumped up with excitement. "I have the perfect recipe to share with you today, my dear friend," she exclaimed. "It's a family recipe for Sour Soup with Fish Balls that has been passed down for generations. I think you will absolutely love it!"

I watched with eager anticipation as Mrs. Lee gathered all the ingredients we would need for the soup - fresh fish, vegetables, herbs, and spices. She explained each step of the recipe to me in detail, showing me how to prepare the fish balls and cook the soup to perfection.

As we worked together in her cozy kitchen, the rich aroma of the soup filled the air, and I could already tell that it was going to be a truly special dish. Mrs. Lee's expert hands moved with precision and grace, and I tried my best to follow her lead, soaking up every bit of knowledge she shared with me.

After hours of simmering and stirring, the Sour Soup with Fish Balls was finally ready. Mrs. Lee ladled out steaming bowls of the fragrant soup, garnishing each one with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime. I took a tentative sip, my taste buds exploding with the complex flavors of the dish.

I couldn't believe how delicious it was - tangy and savory, with just the right amount of heat. Mrs. Lee beamed with pride as she watched me savor each spoonful, her eyes twinkling with joy.

"This soup has been a favorite in my family for as long as I can remember," she explained. "It's a dish that brings us together, that reminds us of our roots and our shared love of good food. I hope you will pass this recipe down to your own family one day, my dear friend."

And pass it down I did. Over the years, I made Sour Soup with Fish Balls countless times for my own family and friends, each time adding my own twist or variation to the recipe. I shared it with neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers who became friends after one taste of the delicious soup.

But no matter how many times I made it, the memory of that first time in Mrs. Lee's kitchen always stayed with me. The warmth of her smile, the aroma of the soup filling the air, the laughter and love that surrounded us as we cooked together - it was a moment I would never forget.

And so, whenever I make Sour Soup with Fish Balls now, I think of Mrs. Lee and the precious gift she gave me that day. A recipe that goes beyond ingredients and instructions, a recipe that embodies the spirit of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we love.