Embark on a culinary journey to Albania as we explore the exquisite and flavorful world of Albanian Qofte. These delectable meatballs, rich in history and tradition, are a beloved dish that captures the essence of Albanian cuisine. Bursting with aromatic spices and a perfect blend of meats, Albanian Qofte is a testament to the country's culinary heritage. Join us in discovering the secrets behind crafting these mouthwatering meatballs, and immerse yourself in the unique and delicious tapestry of Albanian flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1-Prepare the Meat Mixture:

2-In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and lamb. Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3-Mix Well:

4-Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until well combined. The goal is to create a homogeneous mixture that will form cohesive meatballs.

5-Add the Egg:

6-Crack an egg into the mixture, and continue to mix until the egg is fully incorporated. The egg acts as a binding agent, helping the meatballs hold their shape.

7-Shape the Qofte:

8-Take a small handful of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Repeat the process until all the mixture is used, placing the shaped meatballs on a plate or tray.

9-Heat the Oil:

10-In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure there is enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.

11-Fry the Qofte:

12-Carefully place the meatballs in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

13-Drain Excess Oil:

14-Once the Qofte are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

15-Serve and Enjoy:

16-Serve the Albanian Qofte hot, either on their own as a flavorful appetizer or as a main dish accompanied by traditional Albanian sides such as rice, salad, or flatbread. Optionally, serve with a side of yogurt sauce for dipping.

Enjoy the rich flavors and cultural experience of Albanian Qofte!

Nutritional Values

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and variations of ingredients, so it's essential to consider this as an estimate. Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the listed ingredients based on standard values:

Ground Beef (1 lb):

• Calories: 1166
• Protein: 120g
• Fat: 75g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Excellent source of protein, essential for muscle development.
• Rich in iron, zinc, and B-vitamins for overall health.

Ground Lamb (1/2 lb):

• Calories: 660
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 54g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids.
• Contains iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 for energy and immune support.

Onion (1 medium, finely chopped):

• Calories: 46
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits

• Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Contains vitamins C and B, promoting immune health and metabolism

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

• Calories: 9
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Known for its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.
• Supports heart health and may help lower cholesterol levels.

Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 110
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits

• Adds texture and helps bind the meatballs.
• Source of carbohydrates for energy.

Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped):

• Calories: 2
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Packed with vitamins K, C, and A for bone and immune health.
• Acts as a natural breath freshener.

Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits

• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Adds flavor without additional calories.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Aids in digestion and may improve blood sugar control.
• Adds a warm, earthy flavor to dishes.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits

• Rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• The nutritional content of salt and pepper is negligible when used in small quantities for seasoning.

benefits

• Enhance flavor and seasoning of the dish.
• Sodium (salt) is essential for electrolyte balance in the body.

Egg (1):

• Calories: 72
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids.
• Acts as a binder, contributing to the structure of the meatballs.

Vegetable Oil (for frying):

• Calories: 120 (approximately 1 tablespoon)
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Adds moisture and helps in frying the meatballs.
• Contains healthy fats, like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and variations of the ingredients used.