Welcome to Culinary Compass! Today, we are mastering one of Turkey’s most beloved comfort foods: Izmir Köfte (Smyrna Meatballs). This recipe delivers unbelievably tender, deeply flavored ground beef koft, perfectly paired with baked potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes, all simmered in a simple, savory tomato sauce.
We dive into Professional Cooking Techniques crucial for maximizing flavor and texture. Learn why proper kneading (at least 5 minutes) and resting the koft mixture for a minimum of one hour is essential (a key Food Science principle) to achieve moist, Gourmet results. We utilize oven baking for the koft, providing a lighter, healthier approach compared to traditional frying, aligning with Healthy Living goals. This complete, satisfying meal is perfect for family dinners and is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine.
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FULL IZMIR KÖFTE RECIPE
INGREDIENTS:
For the Koft (Meatballs):
* 1/2 pound Ground Beef (medium-fat)
* 3 slices Stale Bread
* 1 large Onion, grated
* 2 cloves Garlic, grated
* 1 Egg
* 1 teaspoon Salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Cumin (heaping)
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon Oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)
For the Assembly:
* 5 Potatoes, cut into wedges
* Peppers (various)
* Tomatoes
* Oil for greasing/frying
For the Tomato Sauce:
* 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
* 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
* 1/2 cup Water
* Pinch of Oregano
Instructions:
1. Mix koft ingredients thoroughly, kneading for at least 5 minutes. Rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
2. Shape koft and bake in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until lightly cooked.
3. Fry potatoes until tender.
4. Assemble koft, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes in a baking dish.
5. Prepare tomato sauce: Sauté tomato paste in oil, add water and oregano, and adjust consistency.
6. Drizzle sauce over the assembled dish. Bake at 350-360°F for 15-20 minutes, until vegetables are tender and the top is slightly browned.
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Dining and Cooking