Bulgarian Supa Topcheta Recipe: Looking for a warm and comforting dish to add to your recipe collection? Bulgarian Supa Topcheta is a delicious meatball soup that blends hearty flavors with easy preparation.
This traditional soup is made with small meatballs usually made from a mix of pork and beef. It is thickened with a unique egg-milk mixture called “Zastroika.”
We appreciate how versatile this dish is, as it can feature various ingredients ranging from rice to a mix of vegetables. Each variation adds its own twist, making Supa Topcheta a comforting choice for any meal.
Whether enjoyed on a chilly day or served at a gathering, this soup is sure to delight anyone who tries it.
Join us as we explore the origins of Supa Topcheta, share our favorite recipe, and guide you through the cooking process. We can’t wait for you to experience the wonderful flavors of this beloved Bulgarian dish!
Why You’ll Love This Bulgarian Supa Topcheta Recipe
We love this Bulgarian Supa Topcheta because it brings comfort and warmth in every bowl. This traditional meatball soup showcases the heart of Bulgarian cuisine.
Here are a few reasons to try this recipe:
- Hearty Ingredients: The blend of pork and beef meatballs makes the soup rich in flavor. Coupled with fresh vegetables, each bite is satisfying.
- Customizable: We appreciate that this recipe allows for variation. You can easily add different vegetables or grains, like rice or even barley, to suit your taste.
- Easy to Prepare: Supa Topcheta comes together quickly. With simple everyday ingredients, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Comfort Food: On chilly days, a steaming bowl of this soup warms us up. It’s a dish that feels like a hug from the inside.
- Cultural Experience: Making this soup helps us connect with Bulgarian culture. It’s a great way to explore new cuisines without leaving home.
With this recipe, we can recreate an authentic taste of Bulgaria. Each spoonful reflects the love and tradition behind this beloved soup.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Supa Topcheta is a traditional Bulgarian dish that holds a special place in many hearts. This soup is not just about taste; it carries a rich cultural history.
Key Ingredients:
- Ground Meat: Typically a mix of pork and beef, making the meatballs flavorful.
- Rice: Adds texture and makes the soup hearty.
- Egg and Yogurt Mixture: Thickens the soup and gives it a creamy finish.
The combination of these ingredients sets Supa Topcheta apart. The unique blend of spices, such as paprika and dried savory, enhances the flavors, giving the soup its distinctive taste.
What we love most is the process of making Supa Topcheta. It’s a dish often made for family gatherings. Sharing this soup brings people together, creating warm memories.
The use of fresh ingredients, like chopped scallions and garlic, adds brightness to the dish. Each bowl offers not only nourishment but also a taste of Bulgarian tradition.
In every spoonful, we experience a taste of Bulgaria. Supa Topcheta is a comforting dish, perfect for any occasion, making it truly special to us.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make Bulgarian Supa Topcheta, we need some essential cooking equipment. Here’s what we recommend for a smooth cooking experience:
- Cooking Pot: Choose a pot with at least a 3-quart capacity. This will help hold all the ingredients while cooking.
- Wooden or Bamboo Spoon: A sturdy spoon is needed for stirring. This type of spoon helps avoid scratches in the pot.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Use these to ensure we add the right amounts of rice, spices, and other ingredients.
- Mixing Bowl: A bowl is necessary for combining the meat and rice mixture. It makes mixing easier.
- Baking Sheet: This can be used if we need to bake the meatballs before adding them to the soup. It helps in keeping their shape.
- Knife and Cutting Board: We will need a good knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables like scallions, carrots, and tomatoes.
- Ladle: A ladle will help us serve the soup easily once it’s ready.
Having the right tools makes cooking much more enjoyable. With this equipment, we can successfully create this delicious Bulgarian dish.
Cooking Instructions
To make Bulgarian Supa Topcheta, we start with the meatballs.
In a bowl, combine 1 lb of minced meat (a mix of pork and beef), 6 tbsp of rice, 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of pepper, and 2 tbsp of flour.
Next, we add 1/2 of a chopped onion, 1/2 of a chopped carrot, and some chopped parsley. Mix these ingredients well. We can also include 1 tsp of paprika for flavor.
In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil. Add 6 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 2 beef bouillon cubes for extra taste.
Form the meat mixture into small balls and carefully add them to the boiling water. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
While the meatballs cook, we can prepare vegetables.
Chop up any additional vegetables like celery and green bell pepper. We can also add 1-2 boiled potatoes or carrots if desired.
After the meatballs are cooked, add the chopped vegetables to the pot. We can season with more salt, pepper, and dried savory for flavor.
Finally, to finish, whisk 2 egg yolks with 1/2 cup of yogurt and stir into the soup. This adds a creamy texture. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Cooking Tips
To make the best Supa Topcheta, we recommend keeping these tips in mind.
1. Choose the Right Meat
Use a mix of pork and beef for the meatballs. This combination gives the soup a rich flavor.
2. Rice Preparation
When adding rice, rinse it first. This removes excess starch and helps keep the texture light.
3. Yogurt for Creaminess
To thicken the soup, we suggest using Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and a slight tang.
4. Flour Usage
If you want to thicken the soup further, mix flour with water to create a slurry. Add this slowly to avoid lumps.
5. Seasoning Matters
Do not skimp on salt and pepper. They enhance the overall taste. Adjust to your preference as the soup cooks.
6. Garnish for Flavor
We like to top the soup with fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt before serving. This adds color and richness.
7. Pairing with Bread
Serve Supa Topcheta with crusty bread. It is perfect for dipping and makes the meal more satisfying.
Ingredients For the Bulgarian Supa Topcheta Recipe
Beef
Pork
Egg
Sweet Paprika
Garlic
Onion, diced
All Purpose Flour
Olive Oil
Celery
Carrots
Potatoes
Beef Broth
Water
Greek Yogurt
Egg Yolks
Lemon Juice
Parsley
Salt
Pepper
Cooking Instructions For the Bulgarian Supa Topcheta Recipe
Preparing the Meatballs
Finely mince half of the garlic, a quarter of the onion, and half of the parsley. Place them in a bowl and mix with the ground pork and beef, sweet paprika, and the whole egg. On a plate, add the flour. Shape the meat mixture into small, bite-sized balls and coat each one thoroughly with the flour.
Browning the Meatballs
In a frying pan over medium heat, add the meatballs in small batches. Brown each side of the meatballs but do not cook them all the way through. Once browned, set the meatballs aside.
*Cooking the Vegetables
Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil to a stock pot and sauté the onion for 5 minutes. Next, add the garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Pour in the water and bouillon cubes, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
Simmering the Soup
Add the meatballs and potatoes to the pot, then raise the temperature back up to a light boil. Continue cooking for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Preparing the Yogurt Mixture
Remove the soup from the heat and allow it to cool for 15 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, and egg yolks. Take about 1/2 cup (118 ml) of the soup broth and slowly add it to the yogurt mixture, then combine with another cup of broth.
Combining the Yogurt with the Soup
While stirring the soup, gradually add the yogurt mixture to the pot. This will allow the yogurt to blend smoothly with the hot soup without breaking.
Serving
Garnish the soup with parsley and serve with crusty bread.
FAQ For the Bulgarian Supa Topcheta recipe
Question: What is the Bulgarian Supa Topcheta recipe?
A: The Bulgarian Supa Topcheta recipe is a traditional Bulgarian soup made with meatballs (topcheta) in a savory broth. The Bulgarian Supa Topcheta recipe is typically prepared with minced meat, rice, herbs, and vegetables, creating a flavorful and comforting dish.
Question: What ingredients are needed for the Bulgarian Supa Topcheta recipe?
A: The Bulgarian Supa Topcheta recipe usually includes ground meat (often pork or beef), rice, onions, carrots, garlic, egg, and fresh herbs like parsley and dill. The broth is made from water or chicken stock to enrich the soup’s flavor.
Question: How do you prepare the Bulgarian Supa Topcheta recipe?
A: The Bulgarian Supa Topcheta recipe begins by mixing ground meat with rice, egg, and seasonings to form small meatballs. These meatballs are then added to a simmering broth with vegetables, cooking until tender. The Bulgarian Supa Topcheta recipe is typically garnished with fresh herbs before serving.
Question: What can you serve with the Bulgarian Supa Topcheta recipe?
A: The Bulgarian Supa Topcheta recipe is often served with crusty bread or a side of yogurt. Some people enjoy it with a fresh salad for added texture and a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Question: Can the Bulgarian Supa Topcheta recipe be made with different meats?
A: Yes, the Bulgarian Supa Topcheta recipe can be made with other meats such as chicken or lamb, although pork and beef are the most common choices. The meatballs can be customized according to your preference while still maintaining the core flavors of the Bulgarian Supa Topcheta recipe.
Bulgarian Supa Topcheta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb Beef ground
- 1/2 lb Pork ground
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Sweet Paprika
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Onion diced
- 4 tbsp All Purpose Flour
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Stalks Celery diced
- 2 Carrots diced
- 2 Potatoes peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
- 4 Cups Beef Broth
- 4 Cups Water
- 3/4 Cup Greek Yogurt
- 2 Egg Yolks
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/4 cup Parsley Fresh Minced as a garnish
- 1/4 tsp Salt to Taste
- 1/4 tsp Pepper to Taste
Instructions
Preparing the Meatballs
- Finely mince half of the garlic, a quarter of the onion, and half of the parsley. Place them in a bowl and mix with the ground pork and beef, sweet paprika, and the whole egg. On a plate, add the flour. Shape the meat mixture into small, bite-sized balls and coat each one thoroughly with the flour.
Browning the Meatballs
- In a frying pan over medium heat, add the meatballs in small batches. Brown each side of the meatballs but do not cook them all the way through. Once browned, set the meatballs aside.
*Cooking the Vegetables
- Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil to a stock pot and sauté the onion for 5 minutes. Next, add the garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Pour in the water and bouillon cubes, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
Nutrition
1 comment
I made Bulgarian Supa Topcheta for the first time, and it was a great success! The meatballs were tender and flavorful, and the soup itself was hearty and comforting. My guests loved how the flavors blended together in the broth. The recipe was simple to follow, and it turned out just as I had hoped. This will definitely be a go-to for future cozy meals!
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