Köfte Yemeği

Köfte Yemeği is a delightful Turkish pasta dish featuring tender meatballs (köfte) and a rich tomato sauce, served over al dente pasta. This high-protein meal combines the flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine with the comfort of pasta, making it a satisfying and nutritious choice.

Ingredients

• Ground beef (or lamb) - 250 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Bread crumbs - 30 grams
• Egg - 1 large
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cumin - 1/2 teaspoon
• Pasta (any type) - 150 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Canned diced tomatoes - 400 grams
• Tomato paste - 1 tablespoon
• Red pepper flakes - 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
• Water - 500 ml

Steps

1. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, bread crumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Mix well and form into small, bite-sized meatballs.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and the canned diced tomatoes. Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 5 minutes, then add 500 ml of water and bring to a simmer.
4. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let them simmer in the sauce for 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked pasta, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein for muscle maintenance and repair.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from the tomatoes and herbs.

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