Qofte të Fërguara

Qofte të Fërguara Recipe - Traditional Albanian Ground Lamb Dish

Region / culture: Albania | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Qofte të Fërguara is a traditional Albanian dish that consists of flavorful meat patties that are fried to perfection. This dish is a popular choice for gatherings and celebrations, as it is easy to make and incredibly delicious.

History

Qofte të Fërguara has been a staple in Albanian cuisine for generations. The word "qofte" translates to "meatball" in Albanian, and "fërguar" means "mixed." This dish is typically made with a combination of ground meat, onions, breadcrumbs, and various spices, creating a unique and savory flavor profile.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground lamb, beef, or chicken
or a combination of lamb, beef, and pork (for a tastier and softer texture)
0.5 onion, finely chopped
0.33 cup plain breadcrumbs
4 tbsp chopped feta cheese
1 garlic clove, crushed
0.25 cup chopped mint (reduce if using dried)
0.5 tsp cinnamon
0.5 tsp oregano
salt and pepper
flour
oil

How to prepare

Soak the bread in water or milk until it becomes very soft.
Squeeze it firmly to drain out excess liquid.
Combine all the ingredients, except for flour and oil.
Let the mixture stand covered for 1 hour or refrigerate for 24 hours to allow the flavors to blend together.
Shape the mixture into patties that are 0.5 inches thick.
Dust the patties with flour and fry them until they are fully cooked at a temperature of 350°F (177°C) to 365°F.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with ground beef or lamb for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh herbaceous twist.
Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the breadcrumbs in water or milk helps to keep the meat patties moist and tender.

- Allowing the mixture to rest for at least an hour before shaping the patties allows the flavors to meld together.

- Dusting the patties with flour before frying helps to create a crispy exterior.

- Make sure to fry the patties at the right temperature to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden brown crust.

Serving Suggestions

Qofte të Fërguara can be served with a side of rice, salad, or roasted vegetables. It pairs well with tzatziki sauce or a simple yogurt dip.

Cooking Techniques

Frying

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or veal instead of chicken.

- Replace feta cheese with goat cheese or ricotta.

- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mixture for Qofte të Fërguara in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and frying the patties.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Qofte të Fërguara on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Qofte të Fërguara with a crisp white wine or a light lager beer for a refreshing accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Qofte të Fërguara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Qofte të Fërguara contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Qofte të Fërguara contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Qofte të Fërguara contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Qofte të Fërguara contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Qofte të Fërguara is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (breadcrumbs).

Summary

Qofte të Fërguara is a protein-rich dish that is relatively high in fats and calories. It is a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Qofte të Fërguara is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. I was visiting my friend Maria in Albania, and she invited me over for dinner. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the most amazing aroma. Maria was busy at the stove, flipping little meatballs in a sizzling pan.

"What are you making?" I asked, my mouth watering at the sight and smell of the delicious food.

"These are qofte të fërguara," Maria replied with a smile. "They're a traditional Albanian dish made with ground meat, onions, and spices. Would you like to help me make them?"

I eagerly agreed, and Maria showed me how to mix the ground beef with finely chopped onions, garlic, parsley, and a blend of spices. She then formed the mixture into small meatballs and fried them until they were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The qofte të fërguara were served with a tangy tomato sauce and a side of fluffy rice. It was love at first bite.

From that moment on, I was determined to learn how to make qofte të fërguara myself. I asked Maria for her recipe, but she told me that it was a closely guarded family secret passed down from generation to generation. Undeterred, I set out on a mission to recreate the dish on my own.

I spent hours in my own kitchen, experimenting with different combinations of ingredients and cooking methods. I tried adding breadcrumbs to the meat mixture for extra texture, and I even tried baking the meatballs instead of frying them. But no matter what I did, the qofte të fërguara just didn't taste the same as Maria's.

Frustrated but determined, I decided to seek out other sources for the recipe. I visited local markets and talked to vendors, asking them if they knew how to make qofte të fërguara. I even went as far as reaching out to distant relatives in Albania, hoping that someone would be willing to share their family recipe with me.

Finally, after months of searching, I stumbled upon an old cookbook in a secondhand bookstore. The book was filled with traditional Albanian recipes, and to my delight, it had a detailed recipe for qofte të fërguara. I couldn't believe my luck. I purchased the book and rushed home to try out the recipe.

As I followed the instructions in the cookbook, I could feel the spirit of my friend Maria guiding me. The aroma of the sizzling meatballs filled my kitchen, and when I took my first bite, I knew that I had finally succeeded. The qofte të fërguara tasted just like Maria's, with the perfect balance of savory flavors and tender texture.

I was overjoyed with my accomplishment, and I couldn't wait to share my success with Maria. When I invited her over for dinner and served her the qofte të fërguara that I had made, she was impressed and touched by my dedication to learning her family recipe.

From that day on, qofte të fërguara became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on lazy weekends. Each time I cooked them, I felt a connection to Maria and her heritage, and I was grateful for the journey that had led me to discover the secret of this delicious dish.

Now, as I pass on the recipe for qofte të fërguara to my grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same sense of pride and accomplishment that I do. Cooking is not just about following a recipe; it's about connecting with the past and preserving traditions for future generations. And with each batch of qofte të fërguara that they make, I know that they will be carrying on a legacy that began with a chance encounter in a friend's kitchen in Albania.