Turkish meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and all the spices (cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper). Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands for this, but be gentle and avoid over-mixing, which can make the meatballs tough.
Once the mixture is well combined, wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and shape the mixture into small meatballs or patties. You can make them round or oval-shaped, according to your preference.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Cook the meatballs for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your meatballs, so you can cut one open to check if it's cooked to your liking.
If you'd like to make a tomato sauce to serve with the meatballs, you can do so while the meatballs are cooking. In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a little olive oil until translucent. Add the crushed tomatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Serve the cooked meatballs with the tomato sauce (if using) and your choice of accompaniments, such as rice, bulgur pilaf, pita bread, or a fresh salad. You can also garnish them with chopped parsley or mint for added flavor and freshness.
Enjoy your homemade Turkish meatballs!

Ingredients

Meatballs

Tomato Sauce

Instructions