Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g ground beef
- 200g Ezine cheese, grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated Ezine cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and chopped parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
4. Fry the meatballs in the hot oil until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove the meatballs from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
6. Serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 22g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb or turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
- Feta cheese can be used instead of Ezine cheese.
- Chopped cilantro can be used instead of parsley.
Variations:
- Add chopped mint or dill for a different flavor.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the meat mixture is well combined before shaping into balls.
- Use a cookie scoop to make uniform-sized meatballs.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the meatballs.
Storage instructions:
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the meatballs in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the meatballs on a platter and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
Garnishes:
Chopped parsley or cilantro
Pairings:
Serve with rice pilaf or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Cucumber and tomato salad
- Grilled eggplant
- Hummus and pita bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart while frying, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture.
- If the meatballs are too dry, add a little more egg to the mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Wash your hands and all surfaces that come into contact with raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
Ezine cheese is a type of Turkish cheese that is made from sheep's milk. It is named after the town of Ezine in the Çanakkale Province of Turkey.
Flavor profiles:
The meatballs have a savory and slightly salty flavor from the cheese and spices.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the meatballs as an appetizer or main dish.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Turkish