Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup fine bulgur
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp red pepper paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup hot water
Special equipment needed:
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, fine bulgur, finely chopped onion, tomato paste, red pepper paste, salt, cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Add the vegetable oil and hot water to the mixture and knead it with your hands until it becomes a smooth dough.
4. Take small pieces of the dough and shape them into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
5. Place the balls in a baking dish, making sure they are evenly spaced.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tops of the balls are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature:
- 375°F
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb can be used instead of ground beef.
- Fine semolina can be used instead of fine bulgur.
- Olive oil can be used instead of vegetable oil.
Variations:
- Add chopped parsley, mint, or cilantro to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Stuff the balls with feta cheese or chopped vegetables before baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Wet your hands with cold water before shaping the balls to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a little more hot water.
- If the mixture is too wet, add a little more fine bulgur.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the leftover balls in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked Van Köfte on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh herbs (parsley, mint, cilantro)
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of yogurt or a salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Cacık (Turkish yogurt and cucumber dip)
- Şakşuka (Turkish eggplant and tomato stew)
- Bulgur pilaf
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the balls are falling apart, add more fine bulgur to the mixture.
- If the balls are too dry, add more hot water to the mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Van Köfte is a traditional Turkish dish that originated in the city of Van in eastern Turkey.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, spicy, and slightly tangy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish or as an appetizer.
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Region: Turkish