Qofte fërguara

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

These delectable fried meatballs are prepared in both Albania and Kosovo either as a main dish or an appetizer. The origin of qofte fërguara can be ascribed to Turkish and Middle Eastern influence on the region, evident in both the ingredients and the method of preparation. The mixture for the meatballs is made by combining either minced lamb or beef, and sometimes even chicken meat with feta cheese, garlic, onions, breadcrumbs, and mint leaves. The mixture is seasoned with salt, pepper, often oregano, and sometimes cinnamon. The resulting mass can be shaped into balls, patties, ovoids, or even sausages, which are fried and served warm with potato fries and rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables, accompanied by a yogurt-based dip.