Soup > Eastern European > Balkan

Spicy Bob Chorba Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, green and red bell peppers to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Ladle the Spicy Bob Chorba into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for browning the beef, then low heat for simmering the soup.
Serving size:
This recipe makes 6 servings.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 290
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 24g
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Beef broth can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Kidney beans can be substituted with black beans or pinto beans.

Variations:
- Add diced potatoes or carrots for extra vegetables.
- Use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a creamy finish.

Tips and tricks:
- For a spicier soup, increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- To save time, use canned diced tomatoes with green chilies instead of plain diced tomatoes.
- Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover Spicy Bob Chorba in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the Spicy Bob Chorba in colorful bowls with a slice of crusty bread on the side.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or a slice of cornbread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Greek salad
- Cornbread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more beef broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Bob Chorba is a traditional Bulgarian soup made with ground meat, vegetables, and spices.

Flavor profiles:
This soup is spicy, savory, and slightly sweet from the bell peppers.

Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread on the side.

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Region: Bulgarian

Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Savory, Aromatic, Herbal