Qofte

Albanian Qofte is a ground meatball like meal. We ate this often in my family when I was growing up. Instead of eating this meal like a meatball with sauce we would typically smash the patties flat to make hamburger like gems that were portable and delicious! To this day I associate this meal with outings in nature like camping and hiking. Funny how food can bring us back 20+ years like it was yesterday, POWERFUL!

The key to a good Qofte is the ratio of onion to ground meat (usually beef)

1lb of meat - 1/2 cup of white chopped onion

There are several good recipes for qoftes out there on the web this is one that is a good starting point if you would like to try these babies.

• 1 lb ground beef--lamb or pork can also work
• 1 egg
• ½ cup white onion plus its juices; grated
• ⅔ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup parsley 
• 2 tsp dried mint 
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 5 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground pepper

Mix all ingredients in large bowl and let sit for a few minutes. 

Shape into patties 

Pan fry or grill.