Turkish Meatballs Yogurt Sauce (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Meatballs
01 -
1 slice bread
02 -
450 g lean ground beef or a blend of beef and lamb
03 -
1 large onion, diced
04 -
2 large garlic cloves, minced
05 -
60 g finely chopped flat leaf parsley
06 -
1 egg
07 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 -
1 teaspoon ground coriander
09 -
1 teaspoon Urfa Biber
10 -
0.5 teaspoon Aleppo pepper, plus extra for garnish
11 -
Kosher salt, to taste
12 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
13 -
Pickled red onions (optional, for serving)
→ Yogurt Sauce
14 -
1 tablespoon cornstarch
15 -
2 tablespoons water
16 -
1 egg
17 -
240 ml Greek yogurt
18 -
240 ml chicken or vegetable broth
19 -
Kosher salt, to taste
20 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Spicy Olive Oil
21 -
60 ml extra virgin olive oil
22 -
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes
# Instructions:
01 -
Position one oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 220°C.
02 -
Toast the bread until golden. Submerge in water, soak until extremely soft, then remove, squeeze out excess liquid, and tear into small pieces.
03 -
In a large bowl, combine soaked bread, ground meat, onion, garlic, parsley, egg, cumin, coriander, Urfa Biber, Aleppo pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly with hands.
04 -
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Shape mixture into approximately 18-20 meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each) and arrange evenly on the baking sheet.
05 -
Bake meatballs in the center of the oven until fully cooked and no longer pink inside, about 15-20 minutes.
06 -
In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Add egg and Greek yogurt, season with salt and pepper, and whisk until homogeneous.
07 -
Bring broth to a boil in a small saucepan, reduce to low simmer. Slowly add yogurt mixture while whisking continuously. Cook, whisking, until thickened, around 1 minute. Remove from heat and keep warm.
08 -
Warm olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add Aleppo pepper flakes and gently swirl until oil takes on a rich amber hue. Remove from heat.
09 -
Arrange baked meatballs in shallow serving bowls. Spoon warm yogurt sauce over, add pickled red onions if using, and drizzle with spiced olive oil.
# Notes:
01 -
If using extra lean ground beef, incorporate one tablespoon of olive oil for additional moisture.
02 -
Fresh and high-quality Mediterranean spices enhance depth and authenticity of flavor.