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–+ servings
RICE MEATBALL

Savory Rice Meatballs: A Taste of Turkish Comfort Food

Discover the irresistible Turkish Rice Meatballs, a perfect blend of flavor and comfort. Crispy outside, tender inside - perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Turkish
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb Ground Beef can substitute with ground lamb or turkey
  • 1 medium Onion chopped, can substitute with shallots
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper can substitute with white pepper
  • 1 tsp Ground Red Pepper adjust based on spiciness preference
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin optional but recommended
  • 1 tsp Salt preferably kosher or sea salt
  • 1/4 cup Parsley chopped, can substitute with cilantro
  • 5 tbsp Baldo Rice can substitute with Arborio or sushi rice
For Coating and Frying
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil or canola oil
  • 2 large Eggs have an extra egg on hand for larger batches
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs or Flour can use gluten-free breadcrumbs

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Tray
  • plastic wrap
  • Measuring Cups

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash the baldo rice thoroughly, then boil it in half a cup of water until tender for about 10-12 minutes.
  2. In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add half of the ground beef and sauté for about 5 minutes until it starts to brown. Stir in chopped onion and continue cooking for another 10 minutes until the onion is soft.
  3. Combine the sautéed beef, boiled rice, the remaining uncooked ground beef, and the spices (black pepper, cumin, salt, parsley) in a large mixing bowl. Knead gently for about 5-6 minutes until well blended.
  4. Form the mixture into palm-sized meatballs, place them on a tray, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  5. Take the chilled meatballs, dip them in flour (or breadcrumbs) and then into beaten eggs. Fry in hot oil for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 14gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve with a tangy yogurt dip for extra flavor. Ensure that the rice is cooked al dente to avoid mushy meatballs. Adjust spiciness according to your preference.

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