Turkish-style Boşnak Njoki with Beef

Ingredients

In this Turkish adaptation, the traditional Croatian dish of Njoki s boškarinom is transformed by incorporating Turkish spices and flavors. The beef is marinated with a blend of cumin, paprika, and sumac, giving it a distinct Turkish twist. Additionally, the dish is served with a tangy yogurt sauce and garnished with fresh herbs, which adds a refreshing element to the rich flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Njoki s boškarinom, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sumac 1 teaspoon sumac
• 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, boiled and mashed 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• 100g (3.5 oz) all-purpose flour 100g (3.5 oz) all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 200g (7 oz) plain yogurt 200g (7 oz) plain yogurt
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill), for garnish Fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill), for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the beef cubes, olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, and sumac. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the spices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, beaten egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until a dough-like consistency is formed.
3. 3.
   Take small portions of the potato mixture and roll them into small dumplings, about the size of a walnut.
4. 4.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the potato dumplings into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, about 3-4 minutes. Remove them from the water using a slotted spoon and set aside.
5. 5.
   In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the marinated beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the beef simmer for about 1 hour, or until tender.
7. 7.
   In a small bowl, mix the plain yogurt with a pinch of salt.
8. 8.
   To serve, place the cooked potato dumplings on a plate, top with the tender beef cubes, and drizzle with the yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to boil the potatoes until they are soft and easily mashable. This will ensure a smooth texture for the potato dumplings.
• Sumac — Sumac is a tangy spice commonly used in Turkish cuisine. If you can't find sumac, you can substitute it with a mixture of lemon zest and salt for a similar flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the beef marinade.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can mix some sour cream into the yogurt before drizzling it over the dish.
• Serve this dish with a side of Turkish bread or rice pilaf to complete the meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
• Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish-style Boşnak Njoki with Beef hot, garnished with fresh herbs. This dish pairs well with a side of Turkish bread or rice pilaf.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the potato dumplings and beef cubes in an alternating pattern on the plate. Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the top and sprinkle with fresh herbs for a pop of color.