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Small, irregular brown meatballs sit in a thick, rusty-orange tarhana broth, with a few green herb flecks visible on the surface.

Tarhana meatball Calories

Tarhana, minced meat, spiced meatball, traditional Anatolian dish

In season: Autumn · Winter

CALORIES · 100 G

185kcal

GI

55medium

POTASSIUM · 100 G

210mg

FIBER · 100 G

2.1g

Quick answer

4 piece (medium) of Tarhana meatball (120 g) has 222 calories. That works out to 185 calories per 100 g. It contains 22.2 g of carbs, 12.2 g of protein, 8.6 g of fat and 2.5 g of fiber. Its 0.8 µg of B12 covers 35% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 55 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.

Tarhana meatball Nutrition Facts

Selected: 4 piece (medium) · 120 g

222

KCAL / 120G

Carbs

22.2g

· 8% DV

Protein

12.2g

· 24% DV

Fat

8.6g

· 11% DV

Fiber

2.5g

· 9% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 41% · Protein 23% · Fat 36%

Tarhana meatball nutrition facts table · 4 piece (medium) (120 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories222 kcal
Total fat8.6 g11%
Saturated fat2.88 g14%
Trans fat0.02 g
Sodium504 mg22%
Total carbohydrate22.2 g8%
Fiber2.5 g9%
Protein12.2 g24%

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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How Many Calories in 4 Pieces of Tarhana meatball?

ServingAmountCalories
4 piece (medium)120 g222 kcal
1 piece (mini)30 g56 kcal
2 piece (small)60 g111 kcal
100 g100 g185 kcal
1 serving (medium)150 g278 kcal
6 piece (large)180 g333 kcal
8 piece (extra large)240 g444 kcal
10 piece (jumbo)300 g555 kcal

Calculated from 185 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tarhana meatball

What are tarhana meatballs?

Tarhana meatballs are a traditional Anatolian dish made with tarhana and minced meat. Recipes vary: some mix the tarhana into the meatball mixture, while others cook the shaped meatballs in a broth or sauce.

How do you make tarhana meatballs?

To make tarhana meatballs, combine tarhana with minced meat and seasonings, shape the mixture into small balls, then cook them according to the recipe. The mixture should hold together when shaped; add the tarhana gradually if its texture varies.

What does tarhana add to tarhana meatballs?

Tarhana gives tarhana meatballs a distinctive tangy, savory flavor and helps make the dish more substantial. Because tarhana is a fermented grain-and-yogurt preparation, its sourness and texture can differ noticeably between homemade batches and regional varieties.

Why do tarhana meatballs fall apart while cooking?

Tarhana meatballs can fall apart if the mixture is too dry, has not been kneaded enough, or is dropped roughly into the cooking liquid. Knead until cohesive, let the shaped balls rest briefly, and lower them gently into the liquid.

Are tarhana meatballs the same as regular meatballs?

No, tarhana meatballs are not simply ordinary meatballs: tarhana is a defining ingredient that changes their flavor and texture. Regular meatballs are usually built around meat and seasonings, whereas tarhana meatballs follow a distinct Anatolian preparation.

What kind of tarhana is used for tarhana meatballs?

Tarhana meatballs are generally made with dried tarhana, crumbled or powdered for mixing. Its coarseness and tartness affect how the mixture comes together, so add it gradually and adjust the texture rather than assuming every variety behaves alike.

Where do tarhana meatballs come from?

Tarhana meatballs are associated with Anatolian home cooking, but there is no single version shared by every region. Local tarhana, seasonings, cooking liquids, and serving customs all shape the dish, so recipes can differ from household to household.

What are tarhana meatballs served with?

Tarhana meatballs are often served with yogurt, garlic yogurt, or a tomato-based sauce. A simple salad or bread can round out the meal; choose the accompaniment to suit whether the meatballs are served in broth or as a sauced dish.

Can you freeze tarhana meatballs?

Yes, cooked tarhana meatballs can be frozen in airtight, meal-sized portions once cooled. Thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly; freezing them with their sauce can help keep the meatballs from drying out.

Can you make tarhana meatballs without minced meat?

Yes, you can make a meat-free variation of tarhana meatballs, but it will differ from the traditional minced-meat version. Use a recipe designed to bind tarhana with its other ingredients, since simply leaving out the meat can make the mixture crumble.

Tarhana meatball Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

0.84µg · 35% DV

B3

2.52mg · 16% DV

B5

0.72mg · 14% DV

B2

0.17mg · 13% DV

Minerals

Sodium

504mg · 22% DV

Phosphorus

132mg · 19% DV

Selenium

7.8µg · 14% DV

Zinc

1.44mg · 13% DV

Potassium ⭐

252mg · 7% DV

Tarhana meatball Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

55
Medium
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

12
Medium

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Tarhana meatball

To burn the 222 calories in 4 piece (medium) (120 g):

🚶

55min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

23min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

30min

Cycling

🏊

26min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Tarhana meatball?

Tarhana meatball is an Anatolian-style dish made by combining tarhana with minced meat and spices, then shaping the mixture into meatballs. Tarhana gives the mixture a distinctive tang, with recipes varying from one household or region to another.

Serve it hot as a main dish, often alongside rice or bulgur, yoghurt, or a fresh salad. The combination makes for a filling meal with both protein and carbohydrates; it provides 10.2 g of protein per 100 g. For a lighter plate, pair it with plenty of salad and use a measured amount of oil when cooking.

How Nutritious Is Tarhana meatball?

Nutrient density

Medium

55/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

47/ 100

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.

Is Tarhana meatball Processed?

NOVA 3

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.

Does Tarhana meatball Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes
Dairy free
Eggs yes
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Tarhana meatball Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Tarhana meatball Fat Profile

SATURATED

2.88g

MONOUNSATURATED

3.24g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.6g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 7:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (7:1).

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.