Qofte are savory meatballs popular in Albanian cuisine, often made with ground beef or lamb mixed with fresh herbs and spices. This delightful snack showcases the rich flavors of Albania and is commonly enjoyed as an appetizer or street food. Whether at a family gathering or a festive occasion, Qofte bring people together around the table.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, breadcrumbs, egg, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground paprika, ground black pepper, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into oval or cylindrical patties, about the size of a small sausage.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the qofte and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Remove the qofte from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with rice, salad, or flatbread, and a side of yogurt sauce or chutney.
Enjoy your meal!
Qofte are traditional Albanian meatballs made from ground meat, herbs, and spices, grilled or fried to perfection.
Qofte originates from Albania, where it is a beloved part of the culinary tradition.
Key ingredients include ground beef or lamb, onion, garlic, parsley, mint, breadcrumbs, and egg.
Qofte takes about 35-50 minutes to prepare and cook.
Qofte are often served with yogurt sauce, fresh salad, or alongside pita bread.