Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup Biber Salçası (Turkish red pepper paste)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup water
Special Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the Biber Salçası, diced tomatoes, and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Serve hot with rice or bread.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for browning the meatballs, low heat for simmering the sauce.
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 23g
Sodium: 800mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb or turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Tomato paste can be used instead of Biber Salçası.
Variations:
- Add chopped parsley or cilantro to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- Use different spices, such as coriander or cinnamon, to customize the flavor of the meatballs.
- Add chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the sauce for extra nutrition.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to mix the meatball mixture well with your hands to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when browning the meatballs, as this can cause them to steam instead of brown.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the meatballs and sauce in a shallow bowl or on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
Chopped parsley or cilantro
Pairings:
- Rice or bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Turkish-style rice pilaf
- Grilled vegetables
- Cucumber and tomato salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind them together.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator.
Food History:
Biber Salçası ve Domates Soslu Köfte is a traditional Turkish dish that combines spiced meatballs with a tangy tomato and red pepper sauce. It is a popular comfort food in Turkey and is often served with rice or bread.
Flavor Profiles:
Savory, spicy, tangy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot with rice or bread and a side of roasted vegetables or salad.
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Region: Turkish