Akçaabat Meatballs

Akçaabat meatballs are an important flavor of Turkish cuisine and are specific to the Akçaabat district of Trabzon. However, there is no source with precise historical information regarding the birth of Akçaabat meatballs. Generally, the origins of such local dishes are based on the historical, geographical and cultural characteristics of that region.

One of the characteristic features of Akçaabat meatballs is the various spices it contains, which give the meatballs its unique taste. These may include spices such as cumin, black pepper, red pepper flakes and salt. These spices give both flavor and aroma to the meatballs.

Akçaabat meatballs are generally hand-shaped and prepared in oval or round shapes. Cooked over charcoal, the outside is lightly browned and the inside remains soft. During the cooking process, a unique smoky aroma develops in the meatballs, which enhances their flavor.

Akçaabat meatballs are usually served with greens, onions and tomatoes. It can be served with additional flavors such as rice or bread. Akçaabat meatballs can be found in many restaurants in the tourist areas of Trabzon and throughout Türkiye and are a popular part of Turkish cuisine.

Traditional Akçaabat meatball recipe is created with the combination of carefully selected ingredients and a special method. Here are the steps of the traditional Akçaabat meatball recipe:

Materials:

500 grams of ground beef

1 large onion

1 tea glass of breadcrumbs or breadcrumbs

1 egg

2 cloves of garlic

Half bunch of parsley

Half a tea glass of oil (preferably olive oil)

1 teaspoon salt

Half a teaspoon of black pepper

Half a teaspoon of cumin

Half a teaspoon of chili pepper (optional)

Roasted green pepper or tomato slices (for serving)

Fabrication:

First, grate or chop the onion very finely. Also grate or crush the garlic.

Place the minced meat in a deep bowl. Add grated or chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs or breadcrumbs, beaten egg, oil and spices.

Knead well to ensure that the ingredients are mixed homogeneously. Take pieces of the meatball mixture with your hands and shape them into oval or round shapes.

Place the meatballs you prepared on a lightly oiled tray.

To cook meatballs on the grill or barbecue, preheat the grill thoroughly. Place the meatballs on the grill and cook evenly on both sides. Continue cooking until the meatballs are lightly browned on the outside and fully cooked on the inside.

Place the cooked meatballs on a serving plate. You can serve it with roasted green peppers or tomato slices.

Enjoy your meal!