Symphony of Meatballs

Experience Turkey's culinary magic with this main course masterpiece, where juicy meatballs dance alongside a symphony of tangy tomatoes, fiery chiles and aromatic herbs. Prepare to embark on a flavor journey that'll ignite your taste buds.

serving 4 People

time 50 min

INGREDIENTS

• 500 grams ground beef

• 200 grams breadcrumbs

• 100 grams chopped onion

• 50 grams chopped garlic

• 100 grams chopped parsley

• 100 grams chopped oregano

• 1 big chopped tomatoes

• 50 grams chopped green chiles

• 50 grams tomato paste

• 100 ml olive oil

• 100 ml water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon cumin

How to Cook

1. In a large mixing bowl, begin by thoroughly combining the ground beef with the breadcrumbs, ensuring that the breadcrumbs are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Next, add the finely chopped onion, which will provide a sweet and aromatic flavor, along with minced garlic that adds depth and a hint of pungency to the mixture. Incorporate freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness, and sprinkle in the dried oregano, which contributes an earthy and slightly minty flavor. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste, and finally, add a dash of cumin, which offers a warm and nutty flavor profile. Using your hands or a large spoon, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is evenly combined, ensuring that the flavors meld together beautifully.

2. Once the mixture is well combined, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into small meatballs, approximately one to one and a half inches in diameter. This size is ideal for cooking evenly and allows for easy serving. As you roll each meatball, make sure to pack them tightly enough to hold their shape during cooking, but not so tightly that they become dense. Place the formed meatballs on a clean plate or tray, ready for the next steps in the cooking process.

3. In a large skillet, pour in a generous amount of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. The oil should shimmer slightly when it’s ready, indicating that it has reached the right temperature for cooking. Olive oil not only adds a rich flavor to the dish but also helps in achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust on the meatballs. This step is crucial as it adds texture and depth to the final dish.

4. Carefully place the meatballs into the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the meatballs to steam rather than brown. Allow them to cook undisturbed for a few minutes on one side until they develop a nice golden-brown color. Once they are browned on one side, gently turn them to brown the other sides, ensuring that each meatball is evenly cooked and has a delightful crust. This process should take about 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the meatballs.

5. After the meatballs have been browned to perfection, it’s time to add the chopped tomatoes, which will contribute acidity and sweetness to the dish. Also, add the green chiles for a touch of heat and flavor, along with the tomato paste, which will help thicken the sauce and deepen its color. Stir the ingredients together gently, allowing the meatballs to be coated in the mixture, enhancing their flavor as they simmer.

6. Next, pour in the water, which will serve as the base for the sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. This step is important as it helps to meld the flavors together and ensures that the meatballs are cooked through. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, allowing the sauce to simmer gently. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken, and the meatballs will continue to cook, absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce.

7. After the simmering time is complete, check the meatballs to ensure they are cooked through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency. The meatballs should be tender and flavorful, while the sauce should be thick and rich. Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the skillet from the heat and prepare to serve. These delicious meatballs can be served hot alongside your favorite sides, such as pasta, rice, or a fresh salad, creating a satisfying and hearty meal that is sure to please.

Symphony of Meatballs

PROTIPS

For a richer flavor, use ground lamb or a combination of beef and lamb.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the meatball mixture for a warm and aromatic twist.

Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.