Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Large frying pan
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
2. Take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into a small ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the pan. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Use a slotted spoon to remove the meatballs from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 20 meatballs
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb or turkey can be used instead of beef
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs
- Any preferred spices can be used instead of the listed ones
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint to the meat mixture for added flavor
- Stuff the meatballs with feta cheese or chopped olives for a Mediterranean twist
- Serve the meatballs with a yogurt-based dipping sauce for a tangy flavor
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the meatballs to the pan to prevent them from sticking
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the meatballs from the pan to avoid excess oil
- Serve the meatballs immediately for the best texture and flavor
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the meatballs in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving
- Garnish with chopped herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of rice pilaf or roasted vegetables for a complete meal
- Pair with a crisp salad for a lighter option
Suggested side dishes:
- Rice pilaf
- Roasted vegetables
- Greek salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart in the pan, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind them together
- If the meatballs are not browning evenly, adjust the heat and flip them more frequently
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking
Food history:
- Bülbül Yuvası Kızartması is a traditional Turkish dish that translates to "fried nightingale's nest." The name comes from the shape of the meatballs, which resemble a bird's nest.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory
- Spicy
- Aromatic
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or main dish
- Great for parties or gatherings
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Region: Turkish