Qifqi (Albanian Fried Rice Balls from Gjirokastër)
In short: Sticky rice mixed with eggs, mint, parsley and a little feta, shaped into small ovals and fried until crisp outside and tender within. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 355 kcal
Qifqi are the best-known specialty of Gjirokastër in southern Albania, a stone city where rice balls fried in oil turn up as a starter, a snack and a party plate. The rice is cooked until very soft and sticky, which is what holds the balls together, then mixed with eggs, fresh mint and a little cheese. They are shaped by hand into small ovals and fried until crisp. Serve them warm with thick yogurt.
Instructions
- Put the rice, water and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover and cook on the lowest heat for 18 minutes, until the rice is soft and sticky and the water is absorbed.
- Spread the rice on a large plate and cool for 20 minutes. Warm rice makes the mixture too loose.
- Mix the cooled rice with the eggs, onion, mint, parsley, oregano, feta, flour and pepper until it holds together when pressed.
- With wet hands, shape 2 heaped tablespoons of the mixture at a time into small ovals about 6 cm (2 1/2 in) long and press them lightly flat.
- Heat about 1 cm (1/2 in) of oil in a wide frying pan over medium heat. Fry the qifqi in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until deep golden and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with yogurt and lemon wedges.
Tips
- The rice must be sticky and fully cooled. If the mixture feels loose, stir in another tablespoon of flour.
- For a lighter version, bake the shaped balls on an oiled tray at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, turning once.
Questions and answers
What are qifqi?
Qifqi are fried rice balls from the southern city of Gjirokastër, flavored with mint, eggs and often some cheese. They are crisp outside and soft inside and are served as a snack or starter.
Can I make qifqi ahead of time?
Shape the balls up to a day ahead and keep them chilled, then fry just before serving. Fried qifqi keep for 2 days in the fridge and crisp up again in a hot oven.
What sauce goes with qifqi?
Thick plain yogurt, with or without a little crushed garlic, is the usual companion. A squeeze of lemon and a fresh tomato salad also work well.
How long does it take to make Qifqi (Albanian Fried Rice Balls from Gjirokastër)?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Qifqi (Albanian Fried Rice Balls from Gjirokastër)?
About 355 kcal per serving, with 10 g of protein, 46 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 355 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
