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Protein-rich small meatballs in tangy kefir sauce with fermented dairy
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 serving (medium) of Small meatballs with kefir sauce (220 g) has 312 calories. That works out to 142 calories per 100 g. It contains 11.2 g of carbs, 23.8 g of protein, 19.1 g of fat and 0.9 g of fiber. Its 2.3 µg of B12 covers 96% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 18 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Selected: 1 serving (medium) · 220 g
312
KCAL / 220G
Carbs
11.2g
· 4% DV
Protein
23.8g
· 48% DV
Fat
19.1g
· 24% DV
Fiber
0.9g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 14% · Protein 31% · Fat 55%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 312 kcal | |
| Total fat | 19.1 g | 24% |
| Saturated fat | 6.82 g | 34% |
| Trans fat | 0.18 g | |
| Sodium | 638 mg | 28% |
| Total carbohydrate | 11.2 g | 4% |
| Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% |
| Protein | 23.8 g | 48% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (medium) | 220 g | 312 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 12 g | 17 kcal |
| 5 piece (small) | 60 g | 85 kcal |
| 8 piece (medium) | 96 g | 136 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 142 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 160 g | 227 kcal |
| 1 cup (medium) | 240 g | 341 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 320 g | 454 kcal |
| 2 cup (double) | 480 g | 682 kcal |
Calculated from 142 calories per 100 g.
Small meatballs with kefir sauce are bite-sized meatballs served in a tangy sauce made with kefir. The contrast between savory meat and fermented dairy gives the dish its distinctive flavor; recipes can vary in seasoning and sauce thickness.
Make small meatballs from seasoned ground meat, cook them through, then combine them with a gently heated kefir sauce. Temper the kefir with a little warm cooking liquid first, and avoid boiling the sauce so it stays smooth.
The kefir sauce usually splits when it gets too hot or boils rapidly. Bring the kefir closer to room temperature, whisk in warm cooking liquid gradually, and heat the finished dish gently rather than letting it simmer hard.
Rice, bulgur, or crusty bread works well with small meatballs with kefir sauce because each can soak up the tangy sauce. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables adds freshness without competing with the kefir.
Yes, plain yogurt can replace kefir in small meatballs with kefir sauce, but the result will taste less tangy and may be thicker. Loosen the yogurt with a little water, temper it, and heat it gently to reduce splitting.
To keep the meatballs intact, mix the ground meat thoroughly and shape compact, evenly sized balls. Brown or cook them separately before adding them to the sauce, then stir gently instead of moving them around repeatedly.
Beef or a beef-and-lamb mixture works well for small meatballs with kefir sauce. Choose ground meat that is not excessively fatty so the sauce does not become greasy, and season the meat simply enough to let the kefir's tang come through.
Yes, you can cook the meatballs ahead and refrigerate them, but the kefir sauce is best added or finished shortly before serving. This keeps the sauce smoother and avoids repeated heating, which can make fermented dairy split.
Leftover small meatballs with kefir sauce keep for about three days in a covered container in the refrigerator. Cool them promptly, and reheat only the portion you plan to eat so the kefir sauce is not warmed again and again.
Yes, but the kefir sauce may separate and turn grainy after thawing. For better texture, freeze the cooked meatballs without the sauce and make fresh kefir sauce when serving; thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator.
Vitamins
B12
2.31µg · 96% DV
B3
5.72mg · 36% DV
B6
0.42mg · 25% DV
B2
0.31mg · 24% DV
Minerals
Selenium
24µg · 44% DV
Zinc
4.62mg · 42% DV
Phosphorus
282mg · 40% DV
Sodium
638mg · 28% DV
Potassium ⭐
407mg · 12% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 312 calories in 1 serving (medium) (220 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Small meatballs with kefir sauce brings together bite-sized meatballs and a tangy sauce made with kefir. It is a Turkish-style home-cooked dish: the small meatballs take on plenty of sauce, while kefir’s fresh tartness balances the savoury meat. It is usually served warm, with rice, bulgur or bread to soak up the sauce; a crisp salad makes a lighter accompaniment.
The dish is notably protein-rich, with 10.8 g of protein per 100 g, and can make a satisfying main meal. Its tangy sauce gives it a lively contrast to mild sides such as plain rice or simply prepared vegetables. Adjust the sides to suit your appetite, or pair it with plenty of salad for a lighter plate.
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Contains these allergens:
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
6.82g
MONOUNSATURATED
7.7g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.76g
Omega 6:3 ratio 10.5:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (10.5:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.