Turkish Meatball Stew (Sulu Köfte) Recipe

I don’t know why, but every child in Turkey loves meatballs in sauce. Preparing meatballs can be intimidating, but they are actually quite simple to make. I recommend having rice pilaf on the menu as well. These meatballs in sauce are a very tasty and satisfying dish.

With this recipe, meatballs in sauce for 4 people can be prepared in about 90 minutes.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons sunflower oil,
• 3 Potatoes (medium),
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste,
• 1 Onion (medium),
• 4 cups hot water (a cup is 200 mL),
• 3-4 sprigs parsley,
• 1 teaspoon salt,
• 1 teaspoon chili paprika,

For the meatballs;

• 200 gr mince (beef),
• 2 tablespoons bulgur wheat or 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs,
• 2 cloves garlic,
• 1 teaspoon paprika,
• 1 teaspoon black pepper,
• 1 teaspoon salt,
• 2 tablespoons flour.

Directions

Step 1: Put the mince, bulgur, grated garlic, paprika, black pepper and salt in a bowl and knead for 5 minutes,

Step 2: Keep the mixture in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to rest,

Step 3: Take small pieces of the mixture and roll them between your hands,

Step 4: To prevent the meatballs from sticking together, coat the meatballs in 2 tablespoons of flour,

Step 5: Heat a pot over medium heat,

Step 6: Put 3 tablespoons sunflower oil in the pot,

Step 7: When the oil is hot, add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring,

Step 8: Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 3-4 minutes,

Step 9: Put the diced potatoes in the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes,

Step 10: Add 4 cups hot water to the pot and mix (Add enough water to cover the potatoes by 2 finger widths),

Step 11: Add the meatballs you prepared to the simmering liquid and mix gently,

Step 12: Add 1 teaspoon salt,

Step 13: Add 1 teaspoon paprika and stir,

Step 14: Cook for 30 minutes on low heat,

Step 15: Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Tip: Check the stew occasionally during cooking and add a little hot water if needed.

You may also be interested in this recipe; Baked Beans

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