Qofte të Fërguara (Albanian Fried Meatballs)
Local name: Qofte të fërguara
In short: Juicy beef and lamb meatballs seasoned with onion, garlic, mint and oregano, shaped into flat ovals and fried until crisp outside. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 400 kcal
Qofte are a fixture of Albanian home cooking, made for weekday dinners, picnics and parties alike. The mixture is soft and well seasoned, with a little soaked bread to keep it tender, and it is shaped into flat ovals so each piece browns evenly. They are good hot with fries or rice, and just as good cold in a sandwich the next day. Many cooks use fresh mint or dried oregano, and some add a pinch of cumin.
Instructions
- Tear the bread into small pieces, soak it in the milk for 5 minutes, then squeeze out the extra liquid.
- Squeeze the grated onion in your hand to drain off the juice. In a large bowl, combine the beef, lamb, onion, garlic, soaked bread, egg, mint, oregano, salt, pepper and cumin.
- Mix with wet hands for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is sticky and evenly blended. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes so the meatballs hold their shape.
- With wet hands, shape about 2 tablespoons (40 g) of the mixture at a time into flat ovals about 1.5 cm (1/2 in) thick, making about 24.
- Heat 1 cm (1/2 in) of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the qofte in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden and cooked through to 71°C (160°F).
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with lemon wedges, sliced tomato and fries or rice.
Tips
- Drain the grated onion well. Too much liquid makes the meatballs fall apart in the pan.
- To bake instead of fry, place them on an oiled tray at 220°C (425°F) for about 18 minutes, turning once. They will be less crisp but lighter.
Questions and answers
Can I make qofte ahead of time?
Yes. Shape and refrigerate the raw qofte for up to 24 hours, or fry them and keep them for 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in a hot pan or oven so the outside crisps again.
Can I freeze qofte?
Freeze them raw on a tray, then bag them for up to 3 months. Fry straight from frozen over lower heat, adding a few extra minutes.
What do you serve with Albanian qofte?
Fried potatoes, rice with a tomato salad, or a yogurt and cucumber dip are common. They also fit well inside a flatbread for a quick lunch.
How long does it take to make Qofte të Fërguara (Albanian Fried Meatballs)?
About 45 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Qofte të Fërguara (Albanian Fried Meatballs)?
About 400 kcal per serving, with 24 g of protein, 8 g of carbohydrates and 30 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 400 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
