Qofte me patate in Albanian translates to meatballs with potatoes. It is one of our family favourite dishes, I like to serve it with rice and salad. A simple and easy dinner.
What you will need:
- 1 to 2 lbs ground beef (depends on how many meatballs you want to make)
- 1 onion
- 1 heaping tbsp red pepper paste (optional)
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 egg (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt or powder
- 1/2 – 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper or pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- fresh parsley if desired
- 2 slices of bread soaked in water or milk
- 2 medium-large potatoes
- paprika for potatoes
- 1 carrot (optional)
- 1 and 1/2 cup tomato-sauce
Dice onion, then add to a large bowl. Soak bread; I like to use the ends of a loaf of bread, squeeze liquid out from the bread and add to the bowl. I sometimes add an egg, sometimes I don’t. Add the ground beef and seasonings. Combine all together until well blended, you may want to taste it for salt and seasoning. I like to add the red pepper paste to the meat it gives it a nice flavour and colour, if you do not have any you can use some paprika and tomato paste.
Shape meatballs like a football and place them in a baking pan on top of the tomato sauce. Slice potatoes and season with salt and paprika, then add to the pan. Add sliced carrots if using, drizzle with olive oil and cover. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes to 1 hour depending how thick your baking pan is.
Serve with rice and salad, enjoy!
When I make my qofte, I season it with a variety of seasonings. Sometimes I add cumin other times I don’t, it really depends on what you have or feel like at the moment. I sometimes add fresh herbs like parsley and other times I don’t. No rules, just as long as it tastes good!
This recipe, if I give it a try, would certainly make me win so many points with my husband and with my son lol In’sha’Allah. Jazakallahu khair for sharing this and all of your soooooooo yummy looking recipes !