Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
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, onion, parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
4. While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the spicy yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve the meatballs hot with the spicy yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Skillet should be heated to medium-high heat.
Serving size:
- This recipe makes about 20 meatballs, serving 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 15g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb or turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Green onion or shallots can be used instead of onion.
- Greek yogurt can be used instead of plain yogurt.
Variations:
- Add chopped mint or cilantro to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve the meatballs over rice or with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Use the spicy yogurt sauce as a marinade for grilled chicken or vegetables.
Tips and tricks:
- Wet your hands with water before forming the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the meatballs to ensure they brown evenly.
- Double the recipe and freeze the cooked meatballs for an easy meal later on.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover meatballs and spicy yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the meatballs in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a Greek salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Rice pilaf
- Grilled vegetables
- Greek salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind it together.
- If the meatballs are not browning evenly, make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding them.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
- Harput is a city in Eastern Turkey known for its cuisine, including these flavorful meatballs.
Flavor profiles:
- The meatballs are seasoned with warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, and allspice, giving them a Middle Eastern flavor. The spicy yogurt sauce adds a tangy and creamy element with a kick of heat from the cayenne pepper.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the meatballs as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side salad or rice pilaf.
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Region: Turkish