Izmir Koftesi
A simple Turkish dish of meatballs and potatoes in tomato sauce.
Equipment
- casserole dish
Ingredients
- 1 lbs ground beef can substitute other ground meat
- ⅔ c fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp plain breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp Aleppo pepper
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 large egg
- 1 onion, grated
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ tsp dried oregano
- kosher salt and black pepper
- oil for searing
- 2 russet potatoes peeled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices
- 1 large tomato, cut into 6-8 wedges
Instructions
- Place the ground beef, parsley, breadcrumbs, Aleppo pepper flakes, cumin, egg, onions, 3 of the minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the oregano, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl and combine well using your hands. The mixture will be wet and a bit sticky. Form into 20 to 24 meatballs about 1/2-inch-thick in the shape of your choosing
- Heat 2 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches and adding more oil as necessary, sear the meatballs until nicely browned on two sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Slice the potatoes crosswise 1/2 inch thick into a total of 20 to 24 slices. Arrange the seared meatballs and potatoes in an alternating pattern in a 9-by-9-inch baking dish. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to darken and release its color into the oil, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oregano, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and give the mixture a nice stir. Add 1 1/2 cups water and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then taste and add more salt, if needed.
- Pour the sauce gently over the meatballs and potatoes. Top with the bell peppers and tomatoes. Cover with parchment paper and bake until the potatoes are tender and the meatballs are cooked through, 40 to 50 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
