Qofte me Patate (Potato Meatballs)
Savory and tender meatballs made with a base of mashed potatoes and ground meat, seasoned with herbs and spices, then fried to a golden crisp.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Potatoes(peeled and boiled until tender)
- 300 g Ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1 tsp Dried mint
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour(for coating)
- as needed for frying Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Mash the boiled potatoes until smooth. Let them cool slightly.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, dried mint, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- 3
Shape the mixture into small, uniform meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
- 4
Place the flour on a plate. Gently roll each meatball in the flour, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- 5
Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 6
Carefully add the floured meatballs to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- 7
Remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 8
Serve hot as an appetizer or a main dish, often accompanied by a side salad or yogurt dip.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure potatoes are well-drained and mashed smoothly for the best texture.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure even browning and cooking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the meatball mixture for a richer flavor.
- Incorporate finely grated cheese (like feta or kashkaval) into the mixture.
- Bake the meatballs instead of frying for a healthier option.