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Savory Turkish Meatballs Recipe with Easy Creamy Yogurt Sauce

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A cozy and flavorful Turkish meatball recipe paired with a tangy, creamy yogurt sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or small gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or fine bulgur (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh dill or mint, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt.
  2. Add beaten egg and breadcrumbs; mix gently but thoroughly until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  3. Wet hands slightly and roll mixture into small, walnut-sized balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter). Place on a plate or tray spaced apart.
  4. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add chopped dill or mint if desired. Chill until serving.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs without crowding and cook 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F/71°C).
  6. Serve meatballs warm with creamy yogurt sauce spooned on top or on the side. Garnish with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

If mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs or bulgur. If too dry, add a splash of water or egg. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender. Test cook one meatball first to adjust seasoning. Use plain Greek yogurt for best sauce texture. Baking alternative: bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: Turkish meatballs, yogurt sauce, savory meatballs, easy dinner, lamb meatballs, ground beef, creamy sauce, quick recipe

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/savory-turkish-meatballs-recipe-with-easy-creamy-yogurt-sauce-guide/