Turkish Kofte Meatballs

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion and mashed garlic.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix baking soda, water and lemon juice. Pour this into the ground beef mixture and the spices.

Step 3: Mix well with your hand. Knead it for 10 minutes so that everything is combined well.

Step 4: Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight or at least 2-3 hours. This helps flavors to meld and results in a better end-product.

Step 5: Roll them into meatballs.

Step 6: Brush a cast iron pan with little oil and heat it through.

Step 7: Cook the meatballs over the highest heat, flipping them over so that all sides are slightly cooked.

Step 8: Bring it to the lowest and continue cooking until done for about 10 minutes, shaking the pan or flipping them over occasionally.

Step 9: Cook the meatballs in batches until they finish or save some to freeze.

Step 10: Makes about 50 meatballs.

Step 11: This dish is great served with a yogurt-based sauce, Turkish Payaz salad http://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/piyaz-salad---tomato-onion-salad---turkey-26476 or any regular salad of your choice.

NOTE: If you can’t find 80% lean beef, use a mixture of lamb and beef (50% lamb, 50% beef)

Step 12: Prep time includes waiting the meatballs in the refrigerator.