Kadın Budu Köfte: A Traditional Turkish Meatball Recipe

Introduction

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Turkey? Look no further than Kadın Budu Köfte, a traditional Turkish meatball recipe that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Istanbul. This iconic dish is a staple of Turkish cuisine, and for good reason – it’s a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. In this post, we’ll dive into the history of Kadın Budu Köfte, explore its cultural significance, and provide a step-by-step guide to making this delicious recipe at home.

What is Kadın Budu Köfte?

Kadın Budu Köfte, which translates to “lady’s thigh meatballs,” is a beloved Turkish dish that originated in the Ottoman Empire. The name “lady’s thigh” refers to the tender and juicy texture of the meatballs, which are typically made with a combination of ground meat and spices. This recipe has been passed down through generations of Turkish cooks, and its popularity endures to this day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So, what makes Kadın Budu Köfte so special? For starters, the combination of ground meat, onions, and spices creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exotic. The meatballs are tender and juicy, with a satisfying crunch from the breadcrumbs. And let’s not forget the sauce – a rich and tangy tomato-based sauce that adds depth and complexity to the dish. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to try something new, Kadın Budu Köfte is a recipe that’s sure to impress.

Time Required

• Preparation time: 30 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 55 minutes

Difficulty Level

Medium

Nutritional Information

| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
| — | — |
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |

Portion Size

This recipe makes 20-25 meatballs, serving 4-6 people.

Ingredients

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Meat grinder or food processor
• Baking sheet
• Skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Plate or tray for serving

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, feta cheese, parsley, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Use your hands to shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a plate or tray.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet, add the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Serve

Add the cooked meatballs to the tomato sauce and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the meatballs are fully coated in the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and crusty bread on the side.

Tips and Variations

* To make this recipe more substantial, serve with a side of rice or roasted vegetables.
* For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
* To make ahead, prepare the meat mixture and shape the meatballs up to a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

How to Store Leftovers

Let the meatballs cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the tomato sauce before serving.

Food and Drink Pairings

* Pair with a glass of Turkish wine, such as Öküzgözü or Boğazkere.
* Serve with a side of crusty bread and a simple green salad.
* For a more substantial meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or grilled eggplant.

Video

Video Summary

The video titled “Kadınbudu Köfte Tarifi | Nasıl Yapılır?” provides a detailed recipe for making Kadınbudu Köfte, a traditional Turkish meatball dish. The process involves the following steps:

1. Preparation of Ingredients: The video starts by listing and preparing the necessary ingredients for Kadınbudu Köfte.
2. Mixing the Ingredients: The ingredients are mixed together to form the köfte mixture.
3. Shaping the Köfte: The mixture is shaped into individual meatballs.
4. Coating the Köfte: Each meatball is coated with flour and then dipped into beaten eggs.
5. Frying: The coated meatballs are fried in hot oil until both sides are golden brown.
6. Draining Excess Oil: The fried köfte are placed on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
7. Serving: The final step is serving the golden-brown Kadınbudu Köfte.

The video emphasizes ensuring that the köfte are evenly coated and fried to achieve a crispy texture. The recipe is presented in a clear and easy-to-follow manner, making it accessible for viewers to replicate at home.

Conclusion

Kadın Budu Köfte is a traditional Turkish recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and flavorful spices, this dish is a true delight. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and taste the magic of Turkish cuisine for yourself!

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

2. Can I make the tomato sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the tomato sauce up to a week in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

3. Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.

4. What’s the best way to serve Kadın Budu Köfte?

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and crusty bread on the side. You can also serve with a side of rice or roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.