Qofte me Patate dhe Mish të Përziër
Meat and Potato Croquettes
These savory croquettes, known as Qofte me Patate dhe Mish të Përziër, are a comforting and flavorful dish from Kosovo. They combine mashed potatoes with seasoned ground meat, then are breaded and fried to a golden crisp. They are often served as a main course or a hearty appetizer.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Potatoes(peeled and boiled until tender)
- 250 g Ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 large Egg
- 100 g Breadcrumbs(plus more for coating)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Paprika
- for frying Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Mash the boiled potatoes until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- 2
In a separate bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, 100g breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- 3
Add the mashed potatoes to the meat mixture and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- 4
Shape the mixture into small oval or round croquettes (qofte). If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more breadcrumbs.
- 5
Place additional breadcrumbs on a plate. Roll each croquette in the breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- 6
Heat about 2-3 cm of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the croquettes in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 7
Remove the fried croquettes with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 8
Serve hot, often with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the potatoes are well-drained and slightly cooled before mixing to avoid a mushy texture.
- ✓Do not overmix the ingredients after adding the potatoes, as this can make the croquettes tough.
- ✓Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or other vegetables into the meat mixture.
- For a cheesy twist, add some grated white cheese (like feta) to the mixture.