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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Syrian-Style Meatball Soup with Rice and Tomatoes

4 Servings

40 minutes

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This rustic meatball and rice soup is pure comfort food. The recipe is our adaptation of one from “Aromas of Aleppo” by Poopa Dweck. Made with canned tomatoes, rice and boxed broth, plus a few warming spices, onion and garlic, the soup requires only one refrigerated ingredient: ground beef (ground turkey works well, too). The prep is easy, too. We grate both the onion and garlic so no knifework is required. What’s more, there’s no need to pre-shape or brown the meatballs. As you form them, simply drop them into the simmering broth.

4

Servings

40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1

    pound ground beef OR turkey

  • 4

    tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Directions

Reviews
Nora G.
November 2, 2025
Not complicated recipe :)
I had all the ingredients and I followed the recipe hasn’t changed anything, my family loved it. I will definitely will make it more often.
Jennifer M.
March 29, 2025
Hearty and delicious
I made this recipe as written using ground lamb, cumin, and beef broth when given different options in the ingredient list. My family loved it! The drizzle of pomegranate molasses on top really made this soup 5 stars for us.
Melinda V.
February 15, 2024
Melinda V.
This was excellent. My additions: 1 T. tomato paste when adding canned fire-roasted tomatoes, 6 c. beef stock (and omit the 2 c. water), 1/4 t. cinnamon and 1/4 t. marash pepper (instead of red pepper flakes), cumin not allspice, cilantro, basmati rice. Scant drizzle of pomegranate molasses. Makes about 6 servings (ate 2, froze 4).
CHRISTOPHER L.
June 29, 2026
Tofu?
I don't understand why this recipe is under the "tofu" category.
Marianne H.
August 10, 2024
A question
Has anyone tried this with fresh tomato and maybe a little cummin? (I think tomato paste would also be a good addition)

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