– **Title**: Baked Turkish Meatballs with Vegetables
– **Ingredients**:
– **For the meatballs**:
– 500g ground beef or lamb
– 1 small onion, finely grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **For the vegetables**:
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
– 1 carrot, sliced
– 1 small eggplant, diced
– 2-3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
– **For the sauce (optional)**:
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1 tsp dried basil
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs (about the size of a golf ball) and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. In another bowl, toss the sliced zucchini, bell pepper, carrot, eggplant, and chopped tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. Spread the vegetables around the meatballs on the baking tray.
5. If using, combine the tomato sauce, sugar, and dried basil in a small saucepan and heat until warm. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and vegetables.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned, and the vegetables are tender.
7. Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional fresh parsley. Enjoy your Baked Turkish Meatballs with Vegetables!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground meat: You can use either ground beef or lamb for this recipe. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider ground turkey or chicken. They work well, too, though the flavor will be a bit milder.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor, but if you don’t have any, cilantro could be a fun alternative. Just keep in mind that it has a stronger taste, which may change the dish’s profile.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs. If you’re gluten-free, substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. I’ve even used leftover bread blended into crumbs!
Chilies: For spice lovers, fresh green chilies add a kick! If you prefer something milder, try bell pepper or skip them altogether. Alternatively, a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick.
How Do I Shape Meatballs Perfectly?
Shaping meatballs can feel tricky, but it’s all about consistency. First, keep some water handy to dampen your hands. This makes it easier to form meatballs without the mixture sticking to you. Aim for golf ball-sized portions when shaping, which helps them cook evenly.
- Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop can help you get even amounts.
- Gently roll the meat in your hands to form a smooth ball. Avoid overworking the meat to keep it tender.
How to Make Baked Turkish Meatballs with Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 500g ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
- 1-2 green chilies (optional), chopped
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 50 minutes to bake. You’ll be enjoying your flavorful Baked Turkish Meatballs with Vegetables in about an hour and five minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This will create the perfect baking environment for your meatballs and vegetables.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined and forms a nice mixture.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Next, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Place the formed meatballs on a baking dish, just waiting for their turn in the oven!
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced potatoes, diced tomatoes, chopped bell pepper, and optional chilies with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is coated nicely. Then, layer these veggies around the meatballs in your baking dish.
5. Add the Broth:
Pour the vegetable or chicken broth over the meatballs and vegetables. This will help keep everything juicy and delicious while it bakes.
6. Bake Covered:
Now, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes to let all those great flavors meld together.
7. Bake Uncovered:
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely touch. Serve your Baked Turkish Meatballs with Vegetables warm and enjoy a hearty meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground lamb, turkey, or chicken as a substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that different meats may alter the flavor and moisture levels slightly, so you might want to adjust the seasoning or add a tad more oil if using leaner meat.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with a combination of lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat alternative. You can blend cooked lentils or chickpeas with the other ingredients for the meatballs, ensuring to add some extra binding agents like mashed potatoes or oats if necessary!
Can I Prepare These Meatballs in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. Alternatively, you can shape the meatballs and freeze them raw. Just ensure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, these meatballs freeze well, so consider freezing them in portions!
