Moderate
Kjofte / Balkan Meatballs
Making Balkan Kofte (Balkan meatballs) is like stepping into a rich culinary tradition, similar to making Kjebapi or Pleskavica. This beloved dish starts with a blend of beef, pork, and lamb, seasoned to perfection. The meat is then refrigerated to let the flavors meld, before being shaped into delicious patties. The final touch? The magic of grilling or frying, which transforms these spiced meat patties into savory, mouthwatering bites!
In many Balkan homes, Kofte is often served with a rich tomato sauce or potato puree or pasta, adding an extra layer of depth to this comforting dish. 🍴🍝🧆
⛰️
Challenging
⏱️
1 hour - 1.5 hours
🥘
Frying
👽
4
Moderate
Kjofte / Balkan Meatballs
Making Balkan Kofte (Balkan meatballs) is like stepping into a rich culinary tradition, similar to making Kjebapi or Pleskavica. This beloved dish starts with a blend of beef, pork, and lamb, seasoned to perfection. The meat is then refrigerated to let the flavors meld, before being shaped into delicious patties. The final touch? The magic of grilling or frying, which transforms these spiced meat patties into savory, mouthwatering bites!
In many Balkan homes, Kofte is often served with a rich tomato sauce or potato puree or pasta, adding an extra layer of depth to this comforting dish. 🍴🍝🧆
⛰️
Challenging
⏱️
1 hour - 1.5 hours
🥘
Frying
👽
4
Moderate
Kjofte / Balkan Meatballs
Making Balkan Kofte (Balkan meatballs) is like stepping into a rich culinary tradition, similar to making Kjebapi or Pleskavica. This beloved dish starts with a blend of beef, pork, and lamb, seasoned to perfection. The meat is then refrigerated to let the flavors meld, before being shaped into delicious patties. The final touch? The magic of grilling or frying, which transforms these spiced meat patties into savory, mouthwatering bites!
In many Balkan homes, Kofte is often served with a rich tomato sauce or potato puree or pasta, adding an extra layer of depth to this comforting dish. 🍴🍝🧆
⛰️
Challenging
⏱️
1 hour - 1.5 hours
🥘
Frying
👽
4
🧺
INGREDIENTS
🔪
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
👩🏻🍳
Preparation
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 350 g of beef, and 150 g each of pork and lamb (use pork if you can’t find ground lamb). Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp of paprika.
Prepare Add-ins: Mince the onion finely and whisk the egg in a separate bowl. Add the minced onion, whisked egg, and 10 g (2 tbsp) of breadcrumbs to the meat mixture.
Mix Thoroughly: Knead the mixture thoroughly until well combined. Form the mixture into one large ball, ensuring it is mixed evenly.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the mixture easier to handle.
Shape the Meatballs: After chilling, divide the mixture into equal-sized balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Using oiled hands will help prevent sticking and make the shaping process smoother.
Heat Oil: In a fry pan, heat some oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
Cook the Kofte: Carefully place the meatballs into the hot oil. Fry them, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
Serve: Enjoy the Kofte warm with your choice of side dishes such as potato puree, baked or fried potatoes, or rice. They are also delicious with various sauces like tomato, béchamel, or a refreshing dip like Tarator. Complement the meal with chopped onions, a fresh salad such as Šopska, and a glass of fresh juice for a balanced and satisfying experience. 🧆🧅🥗
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 350 g of beef, and 150 g each of pork and lamb (use pork if you can’t find ground lamb). Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp of paprika.
Prepare Add-ins: Mince the onion finely and whisk the egg in a separate bowl. Add the minced onion, whisked egg, and 10 g (2 tbsp) of breadcrumbs to the meat mixture.
Mix Thoroughly: Knead the mixture thoroughly until well combined. Form the mixture into one large ball, ensuring it is mixed evenly.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the mixture easier to handle.
Shape the Meatballs: After chilling, divide the mixture into equal-sized balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Using oiled hands will help prevent sticking and make the shaping process smoother.
Heat Oil: In a fry pan, heat some oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
Cook the Kofte: Carefully place the meatballs into the hot oil. Fry them, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
Serve: Enjoy the Kofte warm with your choice of side dishes such as potato puree, baked or fried potatoes, or rice. They are also delicious with various sauces like tomato, béchamel, or a refreshing dip like Tarator. Complement the meal with chopped onions, a fresh salad such as Šopska, and a glass of fresh juice for a balanced and satisfying experience. 🧆🧅🥗
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 350 g of beef, and 150 g each of pork and lamb (use pork if you can’t find ground lamb). Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp of paprika.
Prepare Add-ins: Mince the onion finely and whisk the egg in a separate bowl. Add the minced onion, whisked egg, and 10 g (2 tbsp) of breadcrumbs to the meat mixture.
Mix Thoroughly: Knead the mixture thoroughly until well combined. Form the mixture into one large ball, ensuring it is mixed evenly.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the mixture easier to handle.
Shape the Meatballs: After chilling, divide the mixture into equal-sized balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Using oiled hands will help prevent sticking and make the shaping process smoother.
Heat Oil: In a fry pan, heat some oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
Cook the Kofte: Carefully place the meatballs into the hot oil. Fry them, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
Serve: Enjoy the Kofte warm with your choice of side dishes such as potato puree, baked or fried potatoes, or rice. They are also delicious with various sauces like tomato, béchamel, or a refreshing dip like Tarator. Complement the meal with chopped onions, a fresh salad such as Šopska, and a glass of fresh juice for a balanced and satisfying experience. 🧆🧅🥗
⭐️
Bonus recipe
🍝 Pasta with Spaghetti and Kjofte
Boil the spaghetti. While the spaghetti is boiling, prepare the tomato sauce. You can use canned, jarred, or homemade tomatoes. For homemade sauce, adjust the water to your preferred thickness. Sauté garlic and onion in a pan until fragrant. Add the tomatoes (diced, canned, or jarred), paprika, and seasonings. Simmer until thickened. After 10 minutes, add water if using homemade sauce to achieve the desired consistency. Once the sauce is ready, add the boiled spaghetti and meatballs (Kjofte) to the pan. Cook everything together for an additional 10 minutes until well combined. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and parmesan.
🍝 Pasta with Spaghetti and Kjofte
Boil the spaghetti. While the spaghetti is boiling, prepare the tomato sauce. You can use canned, jarred, or homemade tomatoes. For homemade sauce, adjust the water to your preferred thickness. Sauté garlic and onion in a pan until fragrant. Add the tomatoes (diced, canned, or jarred), paprika, and seasonings. Simmer until thickened. After 10 minutes, add water if using homemade sauce to achieve the desired consistency. Once the sauce is ready, add the boiled spaghetti and meatballs (Kjofte) to the pan. Cook everything together for an additional 10 minutes until well combined. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and parmesan.
🍝 Pasta with Spaghetti and Kjofte
Boil the spaghetti. While the spaghetti is boiling, prepare the tomato sauce. You can use canned, jarred, or homemade tomatoes. For homemade sauce, adjust the water to your preferred thickness. Sauté garlic and onion in a pan until fragrant. Add the tomatoes (diced, canned, or jarred), paprika, and seasonings. Simmer until thickened. After 10 minutes, add water if using homemade sauce to achieve the desired consistency. Once the sauce is ready, add the boiled spaghetti and meatballs (Kjofte) to the pan. Cook everything together for an additional 10 minutes until well combined. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and parmesan.
Making Balkan Kofte (Balkan meatballs) is like stepping into a rich culinary tradition, similar to making Kjebapi or Pleskavica. This beloved dish starts with a blend of beef, pork, and lamb, seasoned to perfection. The meat is then refrigerated to let the flavors meld, before being shaped into delicious patties. The final touch? The magic of grilling or frying, which transforms these spiced meat patties into savory, mouthwatering bites!
In many Balkan homes, Kofte is often served with a rich tomato sauce or potato puree or pasta, adding an extra layer of depth to this comforting dish. 🍴🍝🧆
Making Balkan Kofte (Balkan meatballs) is like stepping into a rich culinary tradition, similar to making Kjebapi or Pleskavica. This beloved dish starts with a blend of beef, pork, and lamb, seasoned to perfection. The meat is then refrigerated to let the flavors meld, before being shaped into delicious patties. The final touch? The magic of grilling or frying, which transforms these spiced meat patties into savory, mouthwatering bites!
In many Balkan homes, Kofte is often served with a rich tomato sauce or potato puree or pasta, adding an extra layer of depth to this comforting dish. 🍴🍝🧆
Making Balkan Kofte (Balkan meatballs) is like stepping into a rich culinary tradition, similar to making Kjebapi or Pleskavica. This beloved dish starts with a blend of beef, pork, and lamb, seasoned to perfection. The meat is then refrigerated to let the flavors meld, before being shaped into delicious patties. The final touch? The magic of grilling or frying, which transforms these spiced meat patties into savory, mouthwatering bites!
In many Balkan homes, Kofte is often served with a rich tomato sauce or potato puree or pasta, adding an extra layer of depth to this comforting dish. 🍴🍝🧆
Go to recipe immediately! ↓