Izmir Kofte, Oven Baked Turkish Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner and healthier, while ground pork can be more affordable.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Oats are a healthier alternative, while crushed crackers can be less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is often cheaper.

tomato sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade tomato puree

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Homemade puree is healthier, while canned tomatoes can be more economical.

Grate the onions and squeeze to get rid of the excess onion juice.

Add the ground beef and lamb into a large mixing bowl and add the grated onions.

Add 2 tsp salt, 2 tsp black pepper, 4 tsp cumin, 2 tsp pul biber, 1 tsp all spice, 1 tsp ground coriander and 1 tsp baking soda.

Add the bread crumbs and crack and add a whole egg, knead for 5 minutes until combined.

Chop the parsley and add into the bowl and gently knead until the parsley is evenly mixed.

Cover and let it rest in the fridge for 1 hour.

Peel and cut the potatoes into long wedges.

Optionally soak in water for 10 mins and pat dry the wedges.

Heat up frying oil and fry the potatoes until they are golden.

Transfer to a paper towel and set aside.

In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter and add the tomato paste, cook 2 mins until fragrant.

Finely grate 2 cloves of garlic and add to the saucepan together with ½ tsp black pepper and 1 tsp salt.

Add 1 cup stock together with 2 cups hot water and stir until fully combined.

Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 5 mins and set aside.

Take egg size pieces of the ground meat mixture and shape them into long, sausage shapes in your palms.

Transfer to a large oven tray and pre-cook the meatballs in the oven for 15 mins at 200°C / 390°F.

Place the potato wedges between the meatballs.

Slice the tomatoes into wedges and garnish the tray with tomato wedges and the green chilies.

Pour the sauce over the meatballs and finish the cooking in the oven at 200°C / 390°F for 15 more minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens