Arefe Meatballs Recipe

Arefe meatballs, a type of stuffed meatballs found in Ottoman Cuisine in the 18th century; It is prepared in portions with a stuffing made of finely ground fresh almonds, plenty of spices and minced lamb.

In addition to the arefe meatball recipe in the shoot we made exclusively for Yemek.com , you can also take a look at other recipes of Deraliye Restaurant, which meticulously keeps Ottoman tastes alive today.

How to Make Arefe Meatballs Recipe?

• Chop the peeled onions into small pieces.
• Place 2/3 of the minced lamb and half of the chopped onion into the mixing bowl. Knead with the addition of fine bulgur and anise.
• Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan. Sauté the remaining onions in butter until they turn a light colour. Add the remaining lamb mince and fry with the onions until the water is absorbed.
• To add flavor to the stuffing of the meatballs; Add powdered cardamom, finely ground fresh almonds, cinnamon, salt and black pepper to the minced meat stuffing.
• Cut off pieces the size of a small tangerine from the bulgur and minced meat mixture you prepared. Open the middle part of the bulgur meatballs that you rolled in your hands, using your fingers.
• Stuff the lamb minced meat stuffing, roasted with onion and spices, into the inside of the meatballs and roll them with your hands.
• Boil the meatballs you prepared in a deep pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes.
• Melt the remaining butter in a separate saucepan. Fry the boiled meatballs, which you have drained, in the foaming butter until they get a golden color.
• Serve the fried Arefe meatballs hot with the addition of strained yoghurt if desired. Share with your loved ones.