Ingredients

• 5kg of minced beef or lamb (or a combination of both)
• 1 medium onion
• 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (or stale bread soaked in water and squeezed out)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped parsley
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 tsp of ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp of ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp of paprika
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying or grilling

Preparation and Cooking

• In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, grated onion, breadcrumbs (or soaked bread), egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, cumin, black pepper, paprika, and salt. Knead the mixture with your hands until it is well combined and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Shape the meat mixture into small, slightly flattened meatballs, approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the meatballs for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape during cooking.
• To cook the İnegöl köfte, you can either fry or grill them:
• For frying, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the meatballs for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove the cooked meatballs with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
• For grilling, preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the meatballs with vegetable oil and cook them on the grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks.
• Serve the İnegöl köfte hot, with a side of rice, bulgur pilaf, or Turkish flatbread. You can also accompany the dish with yogurt, a fresh salad, and grilled vegetables.

Hints and Comments

İnegöl köfte is a popular Turkish meatball dish originating from the city of İnegöl in Bursa province, Turkiye. These meatballs are made with ground beef or lamb, breadcrumbs, and a mix of spices, and are known for their tender texture and delicious taste.