Kirkagaç Topalak Dinner


Description and Distinctive Features of the Product:

Kırkağaç Topalak Dish is a specialty from the Kırkağaç district of Manisa province. It is made by combining pre-cooked meatballs with a rich beef bone broth, which is prepared by boiling bones, then simmered again with a distinctive sauce exclusive to this dish. The Kırkağaç Topalak Dish features a hearty, thick, and oily consistency thanks to the minced meat and flavorful bone broth it contains. Known locally as Kırkağaç Topalak Dish, this dish is a unique meatball soup native to the Kırkağaç district in Manisa.

Kirkagaç Topalak Dinner

Kırkağaç Topalak Dish, which holds a significant place in the culinary traditions of Manisa province, is enjoyed not only as a part of everyday meals but also during special events such as weddings, holidays, and festivals. The preparation and cooking processes of Kırkağaç Topalak Dish, which vary in ingredients and techniques, demand considerable expertise. For this reason, the dish is deeply connected to the Kırkağaç district of Manisa province, where it is traditionally made.

Production Method:

In making the Kırkağaç Topalak Dish, expertise in selecting and preparing the ingredients, along with the cooking steps, is crucial.

For this dish, meat sourced from cattle raised in Manisa province is preferred. Typically, lean beef is minced twice using a meat grinder to achieve the ideal texture. The ingredients needed for the meatballs are placed in a large bowl and carefully kneaded to ensure they are well combined. To reach the proper consistency, small amounts of flour are gradually incorporated during kneading. Mastery of the kneading process is especially important. The final product of this step is the meatball dough.

After allowing the dough to rest for at least one hour, it is shaped into round or oval forms, usually weighing between 10 and 20 grams, creating the topalak meatballs. These meatballs are then fried in a pan with olive oil. Once cooked, they are transferred to a separate container to drain any excess oil and allowed to cool.

Preparation of the Sauce: Cleaned beef bones, typically knuckle bones, are placed into a suitably sized, food-safe container. Water is added to fully cover the bones, along with salt. The mixture is then brought to a full boil, and any foam that forms during boiling is carefully skimmed off.

The resulting bone broth is strained into another container before cooling. In a separate pan, olive oil is combined with tomato paste and gently heated to create a rich sauce, a portion of which is set aside for serving. This tomato-based sauce is added to the bone broth. To the broth and sauce mixture, lemon juice and/or sumac juice are incorporated, along with optional spices such as black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika. These ingredients are cooked together until their flavors and color are fully blended.

Serving: Equal care is taken in presenting the Kırkağaç Topalak Dish as in its preparation. The cooked topalak meatballs are simmered in the hot sauce for about five minutes to absorb the flavors. The tender meatballs are then carefully served on a plate. For serving, additional bone broth sauce and/or the reserved tomato-based sauce may be poured over the dish. To enhance the taste, black pepper and finely chopped parsley can be sprinkled on top just before serving.