Cookbook:Bulgarian Meatball Soup (Supa Topcheta)

Supa topcheta is a popular Bulgarian soup.

Ingredients

 * 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

Procedure

 * 1) Combine beef, rice, paprika, and savory.
 * 2) Season to taste with salt and pepper, and mix lightly but thoroughly.
 * 3) Form mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls, then roll in flour.
 * 4) 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.
 * 5) Add meatballs, cover, and bring to boil again. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.
 * 6) Add chiles and simmer, covered, 40 minutes or until rice is cooked.
 * 7) Add parsley during last 5 minutes of cooking time. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed.
 * 8) Just before serving, beat egg with lemon juice. Stir 1 to 2 tablespoons hot soup into egg mixture, then stir egg mixture into soup.
 * 9) Heat gently, stirring, until soup is thickened slightly, but do not allow to boil.