Red pepper paste (biber salçası) not only adds rich flavor but also gives dishes a distinctive aroma, and when used in balance, it can support healthy digestion.

Soak 3 slices of bread in water. Remove the crusts, squeeze out the excess water, and place the bread in a bowl.
Grate 1 onion into the bowl. Add 300 g of ground meat. Chop 1 handful of parsley and add it in. Crack in 1 egg. Add 1 dessert spoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, then knead all the ingredients together.
Shape the mixture into round köfte (Turkish meatballs) and fry them in oil. Separately, squeeze the water from 3 eggplants that you've peeled and soaked in salted water, then fry them in the same oil.

How to Make the Mashed Potatoes:

Boil 2 large potatoes in a pot. Once boiled, peel and mash them.
While still hot, mix in 1 tablespoon of butter and grate in the kaşar cheese. Add 1/2 dessert spoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, then blend all the ingredients together.

How to Make the Sauce:

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a sauce pan. Add 1 tablespoon of hot red pepper paste. Pour in 2 tea glasses (about 200 ml / 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp total) of water and bring to a boil. Separately, stir 1 crushed clove of garlic into a bowl of yogurt.
Arrange the eggplants on a serving plate first (optional). Pour the garlic yogurt over the top, then arrange the köfte in a row. Spoon the mashed potatoes evenly over the round köfte.
Finally, pour the red pepper paste sauce you prepared over everything.

Pro Tips:

To keep the köfte mixture soft, make sure to squeeze excess water from the bread thoroughly after soaking, and avoid over-kneading.
When adding water to adjust the consistency of the pepper paste sauce, add it gradually so the sauce doesn't become too thin.
If you prefer less heat, start with half a spoon of hot red pepper paste and increase to taste.

About This Recipe

Pepper, a member of the nightshade family and native to South America, is one of the most diverse vegetables in the world.

Pepper can be beneficial in the treatment of rheumatic conditions. Thanks to its high antioxidant content, it helps reduce the risk of many types of cancer. It helps dry out joint inflammation. All varieties of pepper stimulate the appetite, activate the stomach, boost digestive secretions, and ease digestion. It strengthens the body's resistance and acts as a natural shield against illness. It is effective in dissolving clotted blood in vessels. It helps relieve the common cold. It lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It soothes body aches. Hot pepper acts as an expectorant. It has a soothing effect on chronic bronchitis and plays a supportive role in relieving breathing difficulties. It speeds up blood circulation. It reduces the risk of sudden stroke. Being a fibrous vegetable, it helps regulate intestinal movement and bowel function. It strengthens and protects the body's immune system.

Today we've prepared our Spicy Pepper Paste Köfte recipe for you. We haven't forgotten those asking, "Is there a non-spicy version?"
Our Pepper Paste Köfte recipe is here for you. Enjoy the cooking!