Jania me Patate dhe Qofte
A hearty and comforting Albanian dish featuring tender lamb meatballs (qofte) simmered with potatoes in a rich tomato-based sauce. This dish is a staple in many Albanian homes, often prepared for family gatherings and special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground lamb
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped, divided)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced, divided)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1.5 tsp Salt(divided)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(divided)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil(divided)
- 700 g Potatoes(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 800 g Crushed tomatoes(canned)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 500 ml Beef or lamb broth
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the qofte (meatballs): In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, half of the finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, chopped parsley, egg, breadcrumbs, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
💡 Tip: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. - 2
Form the lamb mixture into small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 18-20 meatballs.
- 3
Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning to brown all sides. Remove the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
- 4
Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same pot. Add the remaining chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 5
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef or lamb broth, dried oregano, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and remaining 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Using good quality crushed tomatoes will enhance the flavor. - 6
Add the cubed potatoes to the simmering sauce and stir to combine.
- 7
Carefully return the browned meatballs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce and potatoes. Ensure they are mostly submerged.
💡 Tip: Adding the meatballs after browning helps them hold their shape. - 8
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the meatballs are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
💡 Tip: Simmering gently allows the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become tender. - 9
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley if desired.
💡 Tip: This dish is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use lamb broth instead of beef broth.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the dish uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
- ✓This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated gently on the stovetop.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips along with the potatoes.
- For a touch of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.