Ismir Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 2
Ismir Meatballs in Tomato Sauce - A Traditional Turkish Dish
in Main

Prep

30 min

Cook

40 min

Ready In

70 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
Loading...

Ingredients

500 g ground lamb ( ask your butcher for neck fillet and to run it through the mincer twice )
250 g bread , crusts removed ( soak the bread in milk and squeeze the slices until almost dry , then tear it into smaller pieces )
1 tablespoon powdered cumin
1 small onion , peeled and finely chopped
4 garlic cloves , peeled and crushed
50 pitted and cracked green olives , roughly chopped
1 medium egg , beaten
boiled long-grain rice , to serve
50 g flour
olive oil ( for frying )
150 ml pot Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon cumin seed
sea salt , to taste
fresh ground black pepper , to taste
1 jar tomato passata
100 ml extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar 1 x 400 g tin plum tomato
1 parcel of muslin-wrapped spices
150 g small white pickling onions , peeled
50 pitted and cracked green olives

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4
Calories
870
Sugar
9g
Fat
57g
Ismir Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is a traditional Turkish dish that features delicious meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with a blend of aromatic spices and briny green olives. This dish is a staple in Turkish cuisine and is believed to have originated in the city of Izmir. The ingredients used in the recipe reflect the culinary heritage of the region, which draws inspiration from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The meatballs are seasoned with cumin, garlic, and onion, which adds depth and complexity to the flavour profile of the dish. The tomato sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and a mix of pickling onions and spices wrapped in muslin. This dish is a labour of love that requires some skill and patience, but the end result is worth the effort.

Instructions

1.In a mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, bread, cumin, onion, garlic, green olives, egg, sea salt, and black pepper.
2.Mix it until all the ingredients are well combined.
3.Form the mixture into small meatballs around the size of a golf ball.
4.Roll the meatballs in flour to coat them.
5.Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
6.Add the meatballs and fry until browned all over.
7.Remove the meatballs from the frying pan and set them aside.
8.In the same pan, add extra virgin olive oil and cumin seeds and cook until the seeds begin to sizzle.
9.Add the tomato passata, sugar, tin plum tomato, muslin-wrapped spices, and white pickling onions to the pan and stir to combine.
10.Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the meatballs back to the pan.
11.Cover the pan with a lid and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
12.Remove the muslin-wrapped spices and stir in the green olives.
13.Serve hot with boiled long-grain rice and Greek yogurt.

PROS

Ismir Meatballs in Tomato Sauce is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion.

The dish incorporates a unique combination of flavours and ingredients, making it a delightful cultural experience.

The addition of green olives gives the meatballs a burst of briny flavour that complements the spices and tomato sauce.

CONS

The dish is a bit time-consuming and requires some effort to make the meatballs from scratch.

It is also a relatively high-fat dish due to the use of lamb and olive oil.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish is high in protein and nutrients, which makes it an excellent meal choice for those who are looking for a source of energy.
Additionally, the green olives in the meatballs can promote heart health and are a great source of dietary fibre.

Print

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.