Fried Meatballs

Kadınbudu Köfte — also known as Turkish Fried Meatballs — is a delicious and comforting dish that combines cooked and raw ground beef with rice, onion, and spices. These meatballs are then coated in breadcrumbs and egg, and deep-fried until golden brown. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, this traditional Turkish recipe is often served with mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables and is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 500g medium-fat ground beef

• 1 egg

• 1 onion

• 2 cloves garlic

• ½ cup cooked rice

• 1½ teaspoons salt

• 1½ teaspoons black pepper

• 1½ teaspoons cumin

• ½ cup flour

For frying:

• 1 cup sunflower oil

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 2 eggs (beaten)

Instructions

1. Boil the rice with a pinch of salt until slightly tender — avoid overcooking.

2. In a pan, sauté chopped onions in olive oil until soft. Add minced garlic and cook briefly.

3. Add half of the ground beef to the pan and cook until it releases and reabsorbs its juices. Remove from heat and let it cool.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining raw ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed beef mixture, flour, egg, salt, pepper, and cumin. Mix thoroughly.

5. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up the mixture.

6. Shape the mixture into slightly oversized meatballs using your hands.

7. Coat each meatball first in flour and breadcrumbs, then dip in beaten egg.

8. Deep-fry in hot sunflower oil until golden and crispy.

9. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables. Enjoy!

Kadınbudu Köfte is a must-try for fans of crispy, satisfying comfort food. With a blend of textures and spices, these Turkish-style fried meatballs make an unforgettable meal that you’ll want to make again and again.