Izmir köfte – Izmir meatballs with vegetables

This Turkish classic of meatballs and potatoes in tomato sauce is perfect anytime as a simple dinner or as an addition to an iftar table (the meal Muslims eat when they break their fast during the month of Ramadan). There are different ways to make the dish: some people form the meatballs into small football shapes; others prefer patties. Some sear the meatballs before baking; others put them in the oven raw. I prefer forming patties because they look better when arranged with the potatoes and are easier to sear. And I like searing them because it locks in the juices, but you can do whatever you prefer.