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5.0 from 12 votes

Sulu Kofte - Turkish Meatball Soup

Sulu Kofte is a rich and hearty Turkish Meatball Soup / Stew consisting of juicy meatballs and vegetables cooked in a tomatoey broth. 

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 568 kcal
Course: Main Course , Soup
Cuisine: Mediterranean , Turkish

Ingredients

For the Meatballs
  • 500 g minced meat (beef, lamb or a mixture)
  • 1 large onion (grated)
  • 100 g bulgur wheat (fine or medium grade)
  • 15 g breadcrumbs
  • 1 small egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon flaked chilli (pul biber)
  • ½ teaspoon dried mint
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
For the Soup
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoon red pepper paste
  • 2 medium potatoes (approximately 400 grams)
  • 2 medium carrots (approximately 250 grams)
  • 850 ml water or vegetable stock
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoon plain flour (for dusting the meatballs)

Instructions

Preparing the Meatballs
    Cup of Yum
  1. Place the mince, onion, bulgur wheat, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, dried mint, salt, chili flakes, and freshly ground black pepper in a medium-sized mixing bowl. 
  2. Mix everything together until it’s thoroughly combined, then continue kneading it for another two minutes.
  3. Shape them into small meatballs, as they will expand when cooked. Use water to wet your hands while shaping them to ensure they do not stick to your palms.
  4. Place them on a large plate or tray, and sprinkle on some flour making sure they are all nicely covered.
Preparing the Soup
  1. Melt the butter in a dutch oven or a heavy-based pan on medium heat and then add the pepper paste.
  2. Cook the pepper paste for a few minutes before adding the potatoes and carrots.
  3. Sauté the vegetables for a minute and then add the vegetable stock (or water) along with the meatballs.
  4. Bring the soup to a boil, lower the heat and gently simmer for 45 minutes or until the carrots are cooked.
  5. Remove it from the heat and serve immediately with a slice of crusty bread!

Notes

  • The main ingredient for kofte is mince and its fat content is as important as the quality of the meat. The ideal mince should have %30 fat for soft and delicious koftes.
  • Make the meatballs as small as possible. They will expand once cooked as they contain bulgur wheat. The small meatballs are easier to eat in the soup!
  • Use water to wet your hands while shaping the meatballs to ensure they do not stick to your palms.
  • If you're into meal prep and want to make this soup ahead to freeze for later, you can. Let the soup completely cool before you freeze it. Divide it into portions, allowing room at the top of each container.
  • To reheat the frozen meatball soup, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Warm thoroughly over medium heat.

Nutrition Information

Calories 568kcal (28%) Carbohydrates 53g (18%) Protein 30g (60%) Fat 27g (42%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 11g Trans Fat 2g Cholesterol 125mg (42%) Sodium 762mg (32%) Potassium 1130mg (32%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 5572IU (111%) Vitamin C 32mg (36%) Calcium 96mg (10%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 568

% Daily Value*

Calories 568kcal 28%
Carbohydrates 53g 18%
Protein 30g 60%
Fat 27g 42%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 11g 55%
Trans Fat 2g 100%
Cholesterol 125mg 42%
Sodium 762mg 32%
Potassium 1130mg 24%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 5572IU 111%
Vitamin C 32mg 36%
Calcium 96mg 10%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.