Qofte me Mëlçi në Petë
Liver Dumplings in Pastry
A traditional dish from Tirana, these savory dumplings feature a flavorful liver filling wrapped in delicate pastry, then simmered in a rich meat broth.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Chicken or beef liver(diced small)
- 30 g Butter
- 1 medium Onion(finely minced)
- 1 tbsp Rice
- 1 Egg white
- Fresh mint(chopped)
- Fresh parsley(chopped)
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 300 g All-purpose flour
- 1 Egg
- 250 ml Water(lukewarm)
- 250 ml Meat broth
- tsp Cornstarch(optional, for thickening broth)
- Vegetable oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the dough: Combine flour, egg, salt, and lukewarm water. Knead until smooth, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes.
- 2
For the filling: Sauté the minced onion in butter until softened. Add the diced liver and cook for a few minutes until lightly browned.
- 3
In a bowl, combine the cooked liver and onion mixture with rice, egg white, chopped mint, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 4
Roll out the dough thinly and cut into small squares. Place a spoonful of the liver filling onto each square and fold into small parcels (like small purses).
- 5
Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the dumplings until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- 6
In the same pan (or a pot), heat the meat broth. If desired, thicken with a little cornstarch mixed with water. Bring to a simmer.
- 7
Gently place the fried dumplings into the simmering broth and cook for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the liver is diced very finely for the filling.
- ✓Don't overfill the pastry parcels to prevent them from breaking.
- ✓The meat broth can be seasoned further with additional herbs or spices.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- The filling can be adapted with different herbs or spices.
- A vegetarian filling using finely chopped mushrooms and vegetables could be used.