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Turkish Meatballs in Yogurt Sauce

Turkish Meatballs in Yogurt Sauce

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Turkish
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A comforting and flavorful Turkish dish featuring tender meatballs served over a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, often topped with a sizzling butter and paprika drizzle.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g ground beef or lamb
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed (for yogurt)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp paprika or Aleppo pepper

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  2. Form small meatballs with your hands and place them on a plate.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the meatballs until browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the yogurt with the crushed garlic. Set aside.
  5. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the paprika. Heat gently until sizzling, then remove from heat.
  6. Spread the garlic yogurt on a serving plate or individual dishes.
  7. Place the cooked meatballs on top of the yogurt and drizzle with the spiced butter.
  8. Serve warm with rice or pita bread.

Notes

  • Use lamb for a more traditional Turkish flavor.
  • Chill the yogurt beforehand for a refreshing contrast to the hot meatballs.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or mint for added freshness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Turkish meatballs, yogurt sauce, kofte with yogurt, Middle Eastern recipes, garlic yogurt, spiced butter drizzle