February 22; Turkish Meatball Kebab (Izmir Kofte) or Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

well well well...

Honestly, I am thrilled to learn about this kofte...I ate it at several occasions but could not figure out the secret..:) Do not underestimate meatballs, you can turn them into a festive dish. Here;

Cooking Time: Be prepared for at least 45 min. to play with your ground beef...

Ingredients:

• 1lbs 80% lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 large onion juice (or, finely chopped onion in a food processor)
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. ground black paper
• 1/2 tsp. cumin (optional)
• 3/4 tsp. salt

• 1 large potatoes
• 1lbs tomatoes
• 1/2lbs small peppers
• 1 cup frying oil

• 1 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tbsp. frying oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp. dried oregano

Directions:

• Knead ground beef, bread crumbs, onion juice, baking soda, vinegar and black pepper for about 15-20 minutes and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
• Peel potatoes, wash and slice about 1/2" thick.
• Remove the seeds from peppers.
• Deep fry sliced potatoes, peppers and tomatoes without cooking them fully.
• Roll the meatloaf in the shape of a flattened ovals about 3" long and 1/2" wide.
• Deep fry meatballs without cooking fully.
• Sautee tomato paste with 1tbsp frying oil, add oregano, continue sautéing.
• Add water, boil and turn off the heat.
• Lay deep fried meatballs in a deep oven pan (at least 2" deep), add fried potatoes, peppers and tomatoes in order.
• Spread tomato paste sauce on the top of everything.
• Cook in the oven 375F for about 1/2 hour. Enjoy!