Tchorba Toptsita

Warm, hearty, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, Tchorba Toptsita is a comforting meatball soup that’s perfect for any season. This traditional dish combines tender, spiced beef meatballs infused with aromatic garlic, paprika, and cooked rice, nestled in a rich tomato-based broth brimming with sautéed carrots, celery, and a medley of herbs. The savory broth, enhanced by the depth of tomato paste and the warmth of oregano and bay leaf, wraps around every ingredient, creating a soul-soothing one-pot meal. With just 25 minutes of prep and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers bold, homemade flavor in no time. Serve this crowd-pleasing tchorba alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth, and watch it become a family favorite. Perfect for cozy dinners or when you crave an authentic taste of Mediterranean cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams Ground beef
• 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
• 2 minced Garlic cloves
• 50 grams Cooked rice
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 medium, diced Carrots
• 2 diced Celery Stalks
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 400 grams Diced tomatoes
• 1.5 liters Chicken or beef broth
• 1 unit Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked rice, egg, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform meatball mixture.

Step 2

Using your hands, form small meatballs about the size of a walnut. Roll each meatball lightly in all-purpose flour to coat them evenly and set aside.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the coated meatballs in batches and sear them on all sides until lightly browned. Remove the meatballs and set them aside on a plate.

Step 4

In the same pot, add diced carrots and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 5

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to develop its rich flavor. Add diced tomatoes and stir well to combine.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken or beef broth and add the bay leaf and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 7

Carefully return the browned meatballs to the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.

Step 8

Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 9

Ladle the Tchorba Toptsita into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3353 grams (3353.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1977

Total Fat 130.80g	168%
Saturated Fat 43.30g	217%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.70g
Cholesterol 551mg	184%
Sodium 9134mg	397%
Total Carbohydrate 99.30g	36%
Dietary Fiber 24.40g	87%
Total Sugars 39.60g
Protein 115.00g	230%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 579mg	45%
Iron 17mg	94%
Potassium 4641mg	99%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.9%

Protein: 22.6%

Carbs: 19.5%