Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Blender or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, parsley, and mint. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
4. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside. Add flour to the skillet and whisk until it forms a paste.
5. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
6. In a blender or food processor, blend feta cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
7. Add the feta cheese sauce to the skillet with the chicken broth mixture. Stir well to combine.
8. Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are cooked through.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or mint.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Skillet: Medium-high heat
Sauce: Simmer
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 24g
Sodium: 1200mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
Ground beef: Ground lamb or turkey
Breadcrumbs: Panko or crushed crackers
Milk: Almond milk or soy milk
Feta cheese: Goat cheese or blue cheese
Heavy cream: Greek yogurt or sour cream
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- Use different herbs, such as oregano or thyme, instead of parsley and mint.
- Serve the meatballs over rice or pasta for a heartier meal.
Tips and tricks:
- To prevent the meatballs from sticking to the skillet, make sure the skillet is well-oiled and hot before adding the meatballs.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- Make sure the meatballs are fully cooked before serving. You can check this by cutting one open and making sure there is no pink in the center.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the meatballs and sauce in a shallow bowl, garnished with chopped parsley or mint.
Garnishes:
Chopped parsley or mint
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts
- Rice pilaf or couscous
- Greek salad with feta cheese and olives
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind it together.
- If the sauce is too thin, add more flour to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meatballs are fully cooked before serving to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftover meatballs and sauce in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days.
Food history:
Akçaabat is a town in Turkey known for its delicious meatballs, which are made with a unique blend of herbs and spices. This recipe is inspired by the traditional Akçaabat-style meatballs, but with a twist of feta cheese sauce.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, slightly spicy, and tangy from the feta cheese sauce.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the meatballs and sauce as a main dish for dinner, or as an appetizer for a party or gathering.
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Region: Turkish