Nohutlu Sulu Köfte Recipe
One of the most beloved one-pot dishes in Turkish cuisine, sulu köfte (meatball stew) is a hearty and nutritious meal that is particularly popular during the winter months. It is especially appreciated for bringing together the qualities of both a soup and a main course in a single dish. Traditional versions are usually prepared with tomato paste or a yogurt-based sauce, along with potatoes and carrots. In this recipe, I replaced the potatoes with chickpeas.
When chickpeas are added to this classic yogurt-based version of sulu köfte, known as ekşili sulu köfte, they enrich the dish in terms of both texture and nutritional value. The protein and fiber content increases, helping you feel full for longer.
Choosing the Ingredients and Useful Tips
Using lean ground beef helps keep the broth lighter and less greasy. However, meat that is too lean can make the meatballs dry. Ideally, choose ground beef with around 10–15% fat.
The rice added to the meatball mixture absorbs moisture and expands as it cooks, helping the meatballs hold their shape and preventing them from falling apart. Carrots add both color and natural sweetness to the dish. Using pre-cooked chickpeas will also shorten the cooking time.
One of the biggest concerns when making a yogurt-based sauce is the possibility of curdling. To prevent this, it is essential to gradually add a little of the hot broth to the yogurt mixture while whisking continuously. When adding the tempered mixture back to the pot, pour it in slowly while stirring quickly. Removing the pot from the heat before adding the yogurt mixture will further reduce the risk of curdling.
Serving Suggestions
Nohutlu sulu köfte (Turkish meatball and chickpea stew) is a complete meal on its own. However, if you feel like making the meal a little more indulgent, you can serve it with Turkish rice pilav with shortcut vermicelli or erişte (turkish noodles). Adding a freshly prepared seasonal salad on the side will also help create a more balanced meal.
Nohutlu sulu köfte is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a nutritious, satisfying, and convenient one-pot meal. The refreshing tanginess of yogurt, the heartiness of chickpeas, and the rich flavor of the meatballs come together to create a truly delicious dish. You can also make the recipe even more convenient by preparing the meatballs ahead of time and freezing them until needed.
Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 carrots,
- 3 cups cooked chickpeas,
- 5 tablespoons plain yogurt,
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour,
- Juice of 1/2 lemon,
- 1 egg yolk,
- Salt,
- Black pepper,
- 4-5 tablespoons olive oil,
- 1 teaspoon dried mint,
- 7 cups hot water.
For the Meatballs:
- 500 g lean ground beef,
- 1 egg,
- 1 small onion, grated,
- 1 handful of parsley, finely chopped,
- 1 teaspoon salt,
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin,
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper,
- 1/2 Turkish tea glass of rice,
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
Preparation
- Place all the meatball ingredients, except for the flour, in a large mixing bowl,
- Knead thoroughly, as you would when making bread dough, until all the ingredients are well combined,
- Shape the mixture into walnut-sized balls and arrange them on a tray dusted with flour. Shake the tray gently to coat all the meatballs evenly with flour,
- Bring the water to a boil in a large pot,
- Add the carrots, cut into small pieces, and cook until they begin to soften,
- Add the meatballs and simmer until they expand and are cooked through,
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, egg yolk, flour, and lemon juice until smooth,
- Remove the pot from the heat,
- Take a ladleful of hot broth and gradually pour it into the yogurt mixture while whisking vigorously,
- Add another ladleful of broth and whisk quickly again,
- Slowly pour the tempered yogurt mixture into the pot, stirring continuously and quickly,
- Add the chickpeas and stir,
- Return the pot to the heat. Stir continuously until the stew comes to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes,
- Season with salt and add the dried mint warmed in olive oil. Stir well and remove from the heat.
Enjoy!