Thessaloniki Family Recipe: Delicious Izmir Meatballs with Bulgur Pilaf & Cacık!
Since our family has roots in Thessaloniki, this menu is frequently prepared by relatives both there and here. What’s more, it’s quite simple to make and absolutely delicious.
Preparing Izmir Meatballs
1. Initial Frying: First, fry the potatoes and peppers separately. Then, fry the meatballs to keep your oil clean. All ingredients should remain somewhat firm because the dish will continue to cook later in the pot. Be careful not to let water drip into the oil while frying; otherwise, hot oil might splash on your hands and face.
2. Layering in the Pot: In a large pot, arrange the fried potatoes at the bottom, followed by the meatballs, and finally the peppers on top.
3. Preparing the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix grated garlic, tomatoes, salt, and tomato paste to prepare the sauce. Some people add sugar or baking soda to this sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but I don’t prefer such additions, and I’ve never experienced any stomach issues. Our homemade meals are always the most delicious and healthiest because we know exactly what goes into them.
4. Cooking: Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients in the pot. Add your desired amount of water and cover the pot. If you plan to dip bread into the sauce, you can add a bit more water. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 more minutes before taking it off the stove. Since the ingredients were already pre-fried, they will cook quickly.
Bulgur Pilaf and Cacık
While your Izmir Meatballs are simmering, you can prepare a fantastic bulgur pilaf on the side. Once your pilaf is ready, it’s time for the refreshing Cacık.
For Cacık:
• Grate the cucumbers.
• Mix the grated cucumbers thoroughly with yogurt, salt, and garlic.
• Typically, olive oil is drizzled over Cacık, but for this menu, there’s no need for olive oil as you want a refreshing and cooling taste alongside the main dish.
Extra Tip: If you use grated carrots instead of cucumbers when making cacık, this delicious meze is called Tarator.
This menu, featuring Izmir Meatballs (Soutzoukakia / Smyrna Meatballs), Bulgur Pilaf (Turkish Bulgur Pilaf), and Cacık (Turkish Yogurt Cucumber Salad / Tzatziki), is a delightful blend of Turkish, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisines. Enjoy your meal!
The video I shot with my son’s phone turned out to be much better than the quality from my own phone.My phone, which was the latest model when I bought it, has now somewhat fallen behind with technological advancements. Still, I’ll keep using it. After all, it still works beautifully!
#izmir
#izmirmeatballs
#izmirkofte
#soutzoukakia
#smyrnameatballs
#meatballsrecipe
#turkishmeatballs
#greekmeatballs
#mediterraneanfood
#maincourse
#dinnerrecipe
#bulgurpilaf
#turkishbulgur
#cacik
#tzatziki
#turkishsalad
#yogurtcucumber
#tarator
#meze
#appetizer
#comfortfood
#homemade
#easyrecipe
#familyrecipe
#deliciousfood
#foodie
#cookingvideo
#thessaloniki
#greekinfluenced
#turkishcuisine
#greekcuisine
#mediterraneancuisine
#balkanfood
#traditionalrecipe
#culturalfood
#familytradition
#cookingtutorial
#howtocook
#mealprep
#homecooking
#kitchenhacks
#fryingtips
#saucepreparation
#easycooking
#weeknightdinner
#quickmeals
#cookingvlog
#familycooking
#momscooking
#personalstory
#phonecamera
#İzmirKöfte, #soutzoukakia, #SmyrnaKöftesi, #köftetarifi, #TürkKöftesi, #YunanKöftesi, #AkdenizYemeği, #anayemek, #akşamyemeğitarifi, #bulgurpilavı, #TürkBulguru, #cacık, #TürkSalatası, #yoğurtluSalatalık, #tarator, #meze, #başlangıç, #evyemeği, #evyapımı, #kolaytarif, #aileTarifi, #lezzetliYemek, #yemekTutkunu, #yemekVideosu, #Selanik, #YunanEsintili, #TürkMutfağı, #YunanMutfağı, #AkdenizMutfağı, #BalkanYemeği, #gelenekselTarif, #kültürelYemek, #aileGeleneği, #yemekDersi, #nasılPişirilir, #yemekHazırlığı, #evdeYemekPişirme, #mutfakİpuçları, #kızartmaİpuçları, #sosHazırlığı, #kolayYemekPişirme, #haftaİçiAkşamYemeği, #hızlıYemekler, #yemekVlogu, #aileceYemekPişirme, #anneminYemeği, #kişiselHikaye, #rahatlatıcıYemek, #yemekDüşkünü, #aileceYemekYapma, #anneninYemeği