Meat > Turkey

Harput Meatballs with Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks

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 cinnamon. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

3. Roll each meatball in flour, shaking off any excess.

4. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

5. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.

6. While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth.

7. Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil.

8. Add the pineapple chunks to the sauce and stir to combine.

9. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a serving dish.

10. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are evenly coated.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Skillet: Medium-high heat
Saucepan: Medium heat
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 400
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 950mg
Sugar: 22g

Substitutions for ingredients:
Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
Breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola oil or olive oil.
Apple cider vinegar can be substituted with white vinegar or rice vinegar.
Pineapple chunks can be substituted with canned mandarin oranges or diced mango.

Variations:
Add chopped bell peppers or carrots to the meatball mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Use a different type of sauce, such as teriyaki or barbecue sauce, instead of sweet and sour sauce.
Serve the meatballs over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips and tricks:
To prevent the meatballs from sticking to the skillet, make sure the skillet is well-oiled before adding the meatballs.
To make the meatballs ahead of time, shape them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
To make the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time, prepare it and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Storage instructions:
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the meatballs, place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the meatballs on a bed of rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.

Garnishes:
Chopped green onions or sesame seeds.

Pairings:
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans.

Suggested side dishes:
Steamed vegetables, rice, or noodles.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the meatballs are not cooked through, continue cooking them for a few more minutes until they are no longer pink in the center.
If the sweet and sour sauce is too thick, add a little more water to thin it out. If it is too thin, add a little more cornstarch to thicken it.

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, which features a blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors.

Flavor profiles:
The meatballs are savory and spiced, while the sweet and sour sauce is tangy and slightly sweet.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the meatballs as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of rice or noodles.

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Region: Turkish

Taste: Tangy, Savory, Sweet, Sour, Umami