Armenian soup (Kololik)

6 servings

60 minutes

Armenian soup Kololik is a rich and aromatic dish with deep roots in traditional Armenian cuisine. Its base is a hearty meat broth made from beef bones, giving the soup a distinct flavor. The main decoration of this dish is tender meatballs made from beef, wheat groats, and rice filling, infused with spices and herbs. A light tang from tomato paste harmoniously complements the taste, while potatoes make it more filling. Kololik is often prepared for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings as it is not only nutritious but also warms the soul. This soup is perfect for cold days when one desires a hearty and aromatic dish filled with the warmth of Armenian traditions.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 223.6
• Proteins: 13.5g
• Fats: 10.7g
• Carbohydrates: 18.9g

Ingredients

• Beef with bones: 300 g
• Rice: 2 tbsp
• Wheat groats: 2 tbsp
• Onion: 1 pc
• Potato: 2 pc
• Chicken egg: 1 pc
• Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp
• Tomato paste: 1 tbsp
• Bay leaf: 2 pc
• Parsley: 1 bunch
• Black peppercorns: 5 pc
• Salt: to taste
• Paprika: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Wash the meat and separate the flesh from the bones. Place the bones in a pot, add 1.5 liters of water, and boil for 1.5 hours. Peel and finely chop the onion, then sauté in heated oil for 5 minutes. Mix half of the onion with rice and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   Required ingredients:

   • Beef with bones: 300 g
   • Onion: 1 piece
   • Rice: 2 tablespoons
   • Parsley: 1 bunch
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Paprika:  to taste

2. Pre-cook the wheat groats and rice.

   Required ingredients:

   • Wheat groats: 2 tablespoons
   • Rice: 2 tablespoons

3. Pass raw meat through a meat grinder twice, mix with wheat groats, an egg, salt, and pepper. Knead thoroughly until a homogeneous mince is obtained.

   Required ingredients:

   • Beef with bones: 300 g
   • Wheat groats: 2 tablespoons
   • Chicken egg: 1 piece
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Paprika:  to taste

4. Form patties the size of half a palm from the minced meat, place 1 tsp of rice filling on each. Pinch the edges to form a ball.

5. Strain the broth and bring it to a boil.

6. Peel the potatoes and cut them into large pieces. Add the potatoes, remaining onion, bay leaf, and slightly crushed peppercorns to the broth, and boil for 10 minutes. Add tomato paste to the broth and mix well.

   Required ingredients:

   • Potato: 2 pieces
   • Onion: 1 piece
   • Bay leaf: 2 pieces
   • Black peppercorns: 5 piece
   • Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon

7. Add meatballs to the soup and boil for 15 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Beef with bones: 300 g