Turkish Köfte, a beloved dish, features seasoned ground meat shaped into meatballs, then grilled or fried. With roots tracing back centuries, köfte showcases the culinary heritage of Turkey, evolving with regional variations and cultural influences.

Ingredients:

- 500g ground beef or lamb

- 1 onion, finely grated

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

- 1 egg

- 1 teaspoon cumin

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Method:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, and chopped parsley until well combined.

2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

4. Serve the köfte hot with your favorite sides or as part of a meze platter. Enjoy!

Nutrition Value:

1. 500g ground beef or lamb:

  - Calories: Approximately 1200-1400 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: Approximately 100-120g

  - Fat: Approximately 80-100g

  - Sodium: Varies depending on preparation, typically 50-100mg per 100g

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 300-400mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), zinc, iron, and selenium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc, which are important for energy metabolism and immune function.

2. 1 onion, finely grated:

  - Calories: Approximately 40-50 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-12g

  - Protein: Approximately 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: Varies depending on size and variety, typically less than 5mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and folate.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Onions contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, and they provide dietary fiber, which supports digestive health.

3. 2 cloves garlic, minced:

  - Calories: Approximately 10-15 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 2-3g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.5g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: Varies depending on size, typically less than 5mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, and selenium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including immune system support, heart health, and anti-inflammatory properties.

4. 1/4 cup breadcrumbs:

  - Calories: Approximately 110-120 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g

  - Protein: Approximately 3-4g

  - Fat: Approximately 1-2g

  - Sodium: Varies depending on brand, typically 100-200mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Breadcrumbs typically contain small amounts of iron and calcium, but they are not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Breadcrumbs add texture and help bind the meatball mixture together, but they are not particularly nutrient-dense. 

5. 1 egg:

  - Calories: Approximately 70-80 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.5-1g

  - Protein: Approximately 6-7g

  - Fat: Approximately 4-5g

  - Sodium: Varies depending on size, typically less than 70mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 185-200mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Eggs are an excellent source of vitamin B12, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and selenium. They also contain vitamin D, vitamin A, phosphorus, and folate.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients, including choline, which is important for brain health and development.

6. 1 teaspoon cumin:

  - Calories: Approximately 8-10 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1-2g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.5-1g

  - Fat: Approximately 0.5-1g

  - Sodium: Varies depending on brand, typically less than 5mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Cumin contains small amounts of iron, manganese, and calcium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Cumin is known for its distinctive flavor and may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

7. 1 teaspoon paprika:

  - Calories: Approximately 6-8 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1-2g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.5-1g

  - Fat: Approximately 0.5-1g

  - Sodium: Varies depending on brand, typically less than 5mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Paprika contains vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and small amounts of iron and potassium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Paprika adds color and flavor to dishes and may provide antioxidant benefits due to its carotenoid content.

8. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper:

  - Calories: Approximately 3-5 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.1g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Varies depending on brand, typically less than 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Black pepper contains small amounts of manganese, vitamin K, and iron.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Black pepper is often used as a seasoning and may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

9. 1/2 teaspoon salt:

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 1150-1200mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Salt contains sodium, which is essential for fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction.

  - Nutritional Benefit: While sodium is necessary for health, excessive intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues, so it should be consumed in moderation.

10. 2 tablespoons chopped parsley:

  - Calories: Approximately 2-5 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.3-0.5g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.2-0.4g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Varies depending on freshness, typically less than 5mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Parsley is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate. It also contains small amounts of iron and calcium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Parsley adds freshness and color to dishes and provides antioxidants and essential nutrients, including vitamin K, which is important for bone health and blood clotting.

11. 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying):

  - Calories: Approximately 240 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: Approximately 28g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats and contains vitamin E and vitamin K.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that may help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels when used in place of saturated fats.

These nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as ingredient quality, cooking methods, and serving sizes.