Köfteli Çorba (Turkish Meatball Soup)

Ingredients

• 400 g ground beef (Ground chicken or mutton may be substituted.)
• salt (To taste, for the meatballs.)
• 1 tsp black pepper (For the meatballs.)
• 1 tsp red chilli flakes (For the meatballs.)
• 1 tsp paprika (For the meatballs.)
• 0.5 medium yellow onion (Grated.)
• 2 tbsp oil (Used in the meatball mixture; additionally oil or flour may be used to prevent the shaped meatballs from sticking.)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (Chopped; for the meatballs.)
• 2 tbsp butter (For sautéing.)
• 1 tbsp garlic (Chopped.)
• 0.25 cup green bell pepper (Chopped.)
• 0.25 cup red bell pepper (Chopped.)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 0.5 cup crushed tomatoes
• salt (To taste, for the soup.)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (For the soup.)
• 0.5 tsp sugar
• 0.5 cup orzo (May be substituted with vermicelli, pearl couscous, or another small pasta such as ditalini.)
• 5 cup water (Use 5-6 cups.)
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley (For garnish.)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Steps

1. 1

   Combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, red chilli flakes, paprika, grated onion, chopped parsley, and oil in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.

2. 2

   Shape the mixture into small meatballs. Place them on an oiled or floured surface so they do not stick together.

3. 3

   Heat the butter in a pot over medium heat.

4. 4

   Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.

5. 5

   Add the meatballs and cook for about 3-4 minutes, turning as needed, until they become lightly golden.

6. 6

   Add the chopped green bell pepper, chopped red bell pepper, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Mix well.

7. 7

   Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Add 5-6 cups of water and the orzo. Cover the pot and simmer over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, until the orzo is cooked.

9. 9

   Stir in the lemon juice.

10. 10

    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

The source does not specify the exact number or size of meatballs. Additional vegetables such as carrots, celery, or beans may be added. The source does not provide storage or reheating instructions.

Nutrition per serving

• soup
• main
• Turkish-inspired
• meatballs
• Ramadan
• iftar
• one-pot
• comfort food