This delicious and visually appealing Turkish-inspired dish combines flavorful chicken kebab-style meat with cheesy potato balls. Perfect for a hearty main course, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends!
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Potatoes:
- 4 potatoes
- Water (enough to cover potatoes)
- 50 grams grated cheddar cheese
- Additional salt, pepper, and mint for potatoes
- For the Chicken Mixture:
- 3 pieces of chicken breast (900 grams)
- 1 onion
- 1 pinch of parsley
- 1 green pepper
- 1 red pepper
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Pepper powder
- Black pepper
- Cumin
- Mint
- Salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (10 ml)
- For Assembling:
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 glass of water (200 ml)
- Additional grated cheddar cheese for topping
Directions
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Chop the potatoes into large pieces.
- Place in a pot and pour water until it covers the potatoes.
- Cook until soft, then remove from water and mash.
- Add grated cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and mint to the mashed potatoes and mix well.
- Form the mashed potatoes into 8 balls (or more, depending on the size of your tray).
Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- Coarsely chop the chicken breasts.
- In a food processor, blend the chicken until it has a dough-like consistency.
- Chop the onion, parsley, green pepper, red pepper, and garlic finely or process them in the food processor.
- Add the chopped vegetables to the ground chicken.
- Season with pepper powder, black pepper, cumin, mint, and salt to taste.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and mix well.
- Form the chicken mixture into 8 balls.
- Refrigerate the chicken balls for at least 30 minutes.
Assemble the Meat and Potato Balls:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
- Oil a freezer bag lightly.
- Place a chicken ball inside the bag, press and expand it into a flat patty.
- Put a potato ball in the middle of the flattened chicken mixture and shape it around the potato ball using a small bowl for better shaping, if desired.
Cook the Meat and Potato Balls:
- Place the formed meat and potato balls on a baking tray.
- In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of tomato paste with 1 glass of water and pour it over the meat and potato balls.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese generously over each ball.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and serve hot.
- Enjoy this delicious and visually appealing main dish!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
- Add a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki sauce for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the chicken mixture is well-seasoned to enhance the flavor of the meatballs.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken mixture overnight in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken: Provides a lean source of protein.
- Potatoes: Are a good source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber.
- Cheese: Adds calcium and protein to the dish.
Dietary Information
- High in Protein: Suitable for a low-carb diet.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that all seasonings and tomato paste are gluten-free.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The combination of cheesy potatoes and savory chicken is both hearty and satisfying.
- It’s a visually impressive dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- The recipe is versatile and can be adjusted with different spices and fillings.
Conclusion
These Turkish Kebab-Style Meat and Potato Balls are a flavorful and nutritious main dish that will delight your taste buds. With their delicious blend of chicken, cheese, and potatoes, they make for a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy this unique and tasty recipe with your family and friends! Bon appétit!