Teresa's Recipes
Turkish Spicy Meatballs (Kofta)
Savor the rich flavors of Turkey with these spicy meatballs, known as 'Kofta.' Infused with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, these meatballs are tender, juicy, and enveloped in a luscious tomato sauce. Perfectly paired with fluffy rice or warm bread, this dish is a delightful taste of Turkish cuisine that will transport you to the bustling streets of Istanbul. Traditionally enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions, Kofta is a timeless favorite that embodies the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1/2 cup Bread crumbs
- 1, beaten Egg
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste) Red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 cup Tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup Water
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- In a large 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.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This helps them cook evenly and makes for a perfect bite.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce and water until well combined. Pour this mixture over the browned meatballs in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve the Turkish spicy meatballs hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired, alongside rice or warm bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the meat mixture.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Kofta can also be grilled for a smoky flavor; simply shape them onto skewers and grill until cooked through.