Balkan > Albanian

Qofte me Mish Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
5. Remove the meatballs from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 20g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground lamb or ground turkey.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs.
- Parsley can be substituted with cilantro or mint.

Variations:
- Add chopped garlic to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Make a tomato sauce to serve with the meatballs by sautéing chopped onions and garlic in a pan, then adding canned tomatoes and simmering for 10-15 minutes.
- Make the meatballs larger and serve them on a skewer as a kebab.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to mix the meat mixture well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Wet your hands with water before forming the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the meatballs to ensure they cook evenly.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
- Arrange the meatballs on a bed of lettuce for a colorful presentation.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of rice or potatoes.
- Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Rice pilaf
- Roasted potatoes
- Grilled vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are falling apart in the pan, add more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind it together.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

Food history:
- Qofte me Mish is a traditional Albanian dish that is typically served as a main course.

Flavor profiles:
- The meatballs are savory and slightly spicy, with a hint of cumin and paprika.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the meatballs with a side of tomato sauce and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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Region: Albanian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Herbal, Aromatic