#71 Кюфтета по чирпански (Meatballs Chirpan-Style)

While I was cooking the goulash inspired soup, I remembered this traditional Bulgarian recipe. As goulash it is more like dish than soup, but if yo make it less thick it can be enjoyed as a wholesome soup as well.

Serves 4:

for the meatballs:

400-500 gr pork and beef mince 50/50
100 gr rice
salt, pepper, cumin, thyme

for the soup:

2 tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions chopped
300 gr tomatoes
1 tbsp paprika
1 large potato
1-2 carrots
3-4 cloves of garlic
1.6 l water
1 tsp corn flour
1/2 tsp wheat flour
parsley, thyme, oregano

Method:

Mix the mince, rice and condiments and knead. Make medium sized balls and set aside.
In a saucepan heat the oil, add the chopped onion and garlic and fry until golden. Add the paprika stir fr 20 seconds and cover with water. Bring to the boil. Add the meatballs, carrots and potatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes, bring to the boil again and simmer for more 15 minutes.
5 minutes before removing from heat:
sprinkle chopped parsley, thyme and oregano.
remove with a ladle half a cup of the broth and mix well with the corn and wheat flour until smooth. Return the mixture to the saucepan and let simmer for the remaining 5 minutes.