Yalikoy Meatballs Product Description and Distinguishing Features: Yalıköy Köfte is a variety of meatball prepared by combining minced meat with stale bread, spices, salt, and garlic. The mixture is then formed into small, oval-shaped pieces and deep-fried in hot oil. Each köfte typically weighs between 30 and 35 grams, measures about 5 to 6 centimeters in length, and has a thickness of 2 to 2.5 centimeters. Yalıköy Köfte is made from the front leg and chest cuts of male or non-lactating female cattle aged between 6 and 24 months. Special attention is given to selecting meat that is free from sinew and contains very little fat. Production Method: Ingredients for 10-12 servings of Yalıköy Köfte: - 1 kg of beef (front leg and chest cuts) - 600 g of stale bread (left to dry for 1 day) - 5 g of black pepper - 5 g of cumin - 5 g of meatball seasoning - 10 g of salt - 40 g of sweet red pepper powder - 40 g of hot red pepper powder - 5 g of garlic The beef, thoroughly cleaned from bones, cartilage, and tendons, is cut into cubes measuring 10-15 cm. The stale bread, dried for one day, is finely chopped and combined with the meat before being ground together. This mixture is transferred to a large bowl, where a well is created in the center. Into this well, meatball seasoning, cumin, black pepper, salt, hot and sweet red pepper powders, and finely chopped garlic are added. The ingredients are then kneaded thoroughly until well blended. Small portions of the dough, which should reach a non-sticky texture, are shaped by hand into oval köfte. Each piece weighs about 35-40 g, measures 6-7 cm in length, and is 2.5-3 cm thick. After resting for 1 to 2 hours, the prepared köfte are deep-fried in hot oil for approximately 5 to 6 minutes, until they achieve a brown color. The cooked köfte weigh around 30-35 g, measure 5-6 cm in length, and are 2-2.5 cm thick. Optionally, hazelnut oil, extracted from hazelnuts grown in the local region, can be added to the frying oil at a rate of 5-10%. The fried Yalıköy Köfte are served plated alongside a fresh salad made of onions, tomatoes, green peppers, and lettuce.