Qofte me Patate dhe Djathë
Meatballs with Potatoes and Cheese
These savory meatballs are a delightful combination of ground meat, mashed potatoes, and cheese, pan-fried to a golden crisp. A hearty and satisfying dish often found in Kosovar homes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Ground beef
- 200 g Mashed potatoes(cooled)
- 1 small Onion(finely grated)
- 1 large Egg
- 100 g White cheese (like Feta or local specialty)(crumbled)
- 3 tbsp Breadcrumbs(plus more for coating)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- for frying Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, mashed potatoes, grated onion, egg, crumbled white cheese, 3 tbsp breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure mashed potatoes are completely cooled to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet. - 2
Mix all ingredients thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
💡 Tip: Gentle mixing helps maintain a tender texture. - 3
Shape the mixture into small, uniform meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
💡 Tip: Uniform size ensures even cooking. - 4
Place additional breadcrumbs on a plate. Lightly coat each meatball in the breadcrumbs.
💡 Tip: This coating helps create a crispy exterior. - 5
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1/2 inch deep.
💡 Tip: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding meatballs. - 6
Carefully place the meatballs in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy meatballs. - 7
Remove meatballs from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
💡 Tip: Draining on paper towels absorbs excess grease. - 8
Serve hot. These are delicious on their own or with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad.
💡 Tip: Best served immediately for optimal crispness.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If the mixture is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping.
- ✓You can add a pinch of dried mint or oregano to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- ✓For a baked version, arrange meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini to the mixture.
- Use a mix of ground beef and lamb for a richer flavor.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of tomato paste into the mixture for a slight tomato note.