Mini Meatballs in a Garlic Yogurt Sauce (Cacikli Arap Köfte)

      Delicious mini meatballs made of ground beef and bulgur nestled in cacikli a thick yogurt sauce with parsley, garlic and spices. 

Here’s the recipe:

Mini Meatballs in a Garlic Yogurt Sauce (Cacikli Arap Köfte)

• 4 c thick yogurt
• 2 bunches of parsley (finely diced)
• 10 garlic cloves (minced)
• 10 oz ground beef
• 3 c finely ground bulgur (simit bulgur)
• 2 onions (finely diced)
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 2 TBSP olive oil
• 2 TBSP butter
• 1 TBSP red pepper flakes

• Salt & pepper (to taste)

  Preparation:

  In a large, shallow bowl knead together the beef, bukgur, onions, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Knead for approximately 10 minutes.

  Then roll the meat into balls (about twice as big as a chickpea).

   

  Place the mini meatballs in a steamer (or a collander that rests in a pot with a little water underneath and cover with a lid). Steam for about 10 minutes.

  

  In a frying pan melt the butter and add the olive oil. Heat until hot and then add the meatballs. Sauté until lightly browned.

  To make the cacikli:

  Meanwhile, place the yogurt in a bowl and whisk it until smooth.

   

  Chop the parsley and mince the garlic and add them to the yogurt.

  Squeeze in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.

  

  To serve:

  Plate the cacikli on a platter. Then top with the meatballs.

  

  

  

  Enjoy