Step 1

Heat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2

Make the sauce first. Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the tomato paste, then add the tomatoes and water or stock. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Let simmer, stirring occasionally, while you make the köfte so that the tomatoes boil down.

Step 3

Combine the ground lamb or beef, onion, garlic, eggs, paprika, cumin and parsley in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. With moistened hands, mix the ingredients for about 2 minutes. Keep a bowl of warm water nearby to wet your hands while working. Shape the meat mixture into 20-25 oval balls.

Step 4

Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat, add the köfte and lightly brown the meat all over (about 5 minutes). Place the köfte in an ovenproof dish and set them aside.

Step 5

Pour the tomato sauce over the köfte. Arrange the green peppers on top. Cover the dish and bake for 40 minutes. To check for doneness, cut one köfte open; it should be brown, not pink.

Step 6

Serve with fried potatoes or rice and salad.