Traditional Turkish Meatballs Recipe: A Delicious Blend of Spices and Ground Meat

 

   Turkish meatballs, also known as "köfte," are a popular dish in Turkish cuisine made with  ground meat (usually beef or lamb) mixed with spices, breadcrumbs, and sometimes bulgur. The  mixture is shaped into balls or patties and can be grilled, fried, or baked. They are often served  with rice, vegetables, or in a tomato sauce and can be a main course or an appetizer.

   Here is a simple recipe for Turkish meatballs:

   Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, grated
• 1/2 cup fine bulgur (optional)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1 egg
• Oil for frying

   Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, grated onion, bulgur (if using), breadcrumbs, tomato paste, olive oil, cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), parsley, and egg.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Using your hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
4. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
5. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pan and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through (about 10-15 minutes).
6. Serve hot with rice, vegetables, or in a tomato sauce.

   Enjoy!