Baked Meatballs and Potatoes (Izmir Kofte)

 Baked Meatballs and Potatoes (Izmir Kofte)

1 lb ground beef
4 potatoes
2 cups tomato, petite diced
1 tsp tomato paste
½ cup + 1-2 tbsp canola oil
½ tsp sugar
½ cup bread crumbs
2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
½ cup hot water
1+1 tsp salt to taste
½ tsp black pepper

Mix ground meat, onion, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, bread crumbs and parsley in a bowl (feel free to use your hands for better mixing). Grab egg size pieces and make finger shaped meatballs. If have time, leave the meatballs in the fridge for about 1-2 hours.
Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them like apple slices. Fry them lightly in ½ cup of canola oil and place over a round oven tray. Sprinkle 1 tsp salt over. Leave the middle of the tray for the meatballs.
In a saucepan, place canola oil, tomatoes and tomato paste. Saute for a couple of minutes then, add hot water. Cook for about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the remaining salt and sugar.
Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C). Place the meatballs in the middle of the tray and pour the tomato sauce all over the tray. Bake till potatoes and meatballs are cooked (for about 30-45 minutes).