İZMİR KÖFTE

IZMIR MEATBALLS

Izmir is one of the largest cities in Turkey. They name this meatballs after the name of the city. It is a very easy and delicious dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/3 cup of bread crumbs
• 1 large onion ( finely chopped )
• 1/2 tsp of ground black pepper
• 1/3 tsp of baking soda
• salt
• 5 medium size potatoes
• 2 tbsp of vegetable oil

Sauce:

• 3 tbsp of vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp of tomato paste
• 1 cup boiling water

Take ground lamb, chopped onion, black pepper, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl and knead it until well combined. Cover with stretch film and let it rest for 4-5 hours in the refrigerator. At the end of resting time, take the mixture out and knead it one more time. Take small parts (about 2 tbsp )  make small meatballs. Turn the broiler on high and lightly broil the meatballs.
Wash and peel potatoes. Cut them into large slices ( like apple slices ) . Take potatoes in a big mixing bowl. Add salt and vegetable oil mix. Preheat broiler to medium heat. Take potatoes in a baking tray. Broil potatoes for 10 minutes. 
Take vegetable oil and tomato paste in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir and saute it for 5 minutes. Add boiling water and stir. Cover the lid and simmer for 15 minutes over low heat. Add meatballs and potatoes into the skillet and gently stir. Cover lid and simmer for 15 minutes. 
Serve with rice.