Spicy Turkish Meatballs

Ingredients

• Ground beef (1 pound)
• Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Bread crumbs (1/2 cup)
• Egg (1, beaten)
• Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Cumin (1 teaspoon)
• Paprika (1 teaspoon)
• Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon (adjust for spice preference))
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Tomato sauce (1 cup)
• Water (1/2 cup)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, beaten egg, chopped parsley, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce and water. Mix until well blended. Pour this sauce mixture over the browned meatballs in the skillet.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Serve the spicy Turkish meatballs hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired, alongside fluffy rice or warm bread.