Arefe Meatballs Recipe

Arefe meatballs, a type of stuffed meatballs found in Ottoman Cuisine in the 18th century; It is prepared in portions with its stuffing consisting 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 the 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 bubbling 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.