Izmir-style meatballs
Spiced lamb meatballs or Izmir köfte is the most popular among all the köfte (meatball) dishes cooked in the oven. The flavour is achieved by frying all the ingredients separately, and then combining them together and baking everything in the oven. Dipping bread in the juices is especially tasty!

As the dish also contains potatoes, it can be quite filling and is a complete meal by itself, so it does not really need to be accompanied by rice pilaf.

The reduced tomato sauce serves to further enrich the flavour of the meatballs. You can also add thyme to the meatballs if so desired, to enhance the meat itself. — Contributed by chef Ramazan Bingöl.

Ingredients

750g minced mutton, medium lean and minced twice

120g stale bread without crusts, soaked in water

2 medium onions, finely grated

5 sprigs parsley, finely chopped

1.5 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

3 large potatoes

1 tbsp clarified butter

2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped

200ml hot water

5-6 banana peppers, deseeded and each cut into 4 pieces

1 medium tomato, cut into wedges

200ml olive oil for frying

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Put minced meat in a bowl. Add the bread after squeezing out the excess water, and then add the onions.

2. Add the parsley, salt, spices and knead well.

3. Divide the meatball mixture into small balls the size of an egg each. Moisten the palms of your hands and form the köfte into an oval shape, like a mini American football.

Shape the meatballs into oval spheres.

4. Cut the potatoes into wedges, about the same size as the meatballs.

Place the peppers and tomato wedges in between the meatballs and potatoes.

5. Fry the meatballs using the olive oil and put them in the baking dish.

6. Fry the potatoes on all sides using the same olive oil, then arrange them among the meatballs in the baking dish.

7. Saute the tomatoes in butter for 1-2 minutes in a separate saucepan. Add the water and bring it to a boil.

Cook the minced tomatoes separately.

8. Place the peppers and tomato wedges upright in between the köfte and potatoes. Pour the tomato sauce over the ensemble.

9. Put the baking dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes and peppers change colour.
StarExtra
A firm favourite Turkish dish.