Meat

Köfte (Meatballs) Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, grated
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet or grill

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and parsley.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
4. Heat the olive oil in a skillet or on a grill over medium-high heat.
5. Add the meatballs to the skillet or grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your choice of sides.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Skillet or grill: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- This recipe makes approximately 20 meatballs, serving size may vary.

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 100
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground lamb or ground turkey.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Parsley can be substituted with cilantro or mint.

Variations:
- Add chopped garlic or grated ginger for extra flavor.
- Make a sauce by combining tomato sauce, garlic, and onion and simmering for 10 minutes. Serve the meatballs with the sauce.
- Make the meatballs larger and serve them on a skewer as a kebab.

Tips and tricks:
- Grate the onion instead of chopping it to ensure even distribution throughout the meat mixture.
- Wet your hands with cold water before forming the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Don't overcook the meatballs, as they will become dry and tough.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container 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.
- Arrange the meatballs on a bed of lettuce for a colorful presentation.

Garnishes:
- Garnish the meatballs with chopped parsley or cilantro.

Pairings:
- Serve the meatballs with rice, roasted vegetables, or a salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Tabbouleh salad
- Hummus and pita bread
- Grilled vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind it together.
- If the meatballs are dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture before cooking.

Food safety advice:
- Always wash your hands and utensils before handling raw meat.
- Cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.

Food history:
- Köfte is a traditional Turkish dish made from ground meat and spices. It is a popular street food in Turkey and is often served with rice or bread.

Flavor profiles:
- The meatballs are savory and slightly spicy, with a hint of cumin and paprika.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the meatballs as an appetizer or as a 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

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Meaty, Herbal