Albanian Fried Meatballs
This Albanian Fried Meatballs recipe is built around stale bread, and it comes together in about under an hour from start to finish. A hot pan and a little patience give you the kind of colour and texture that makes this dish. Below you will find the full ingredient list, the method, and a few tips we think make the difference.
- Serves 4
- Level Medium
Ingredients
- 1 slice Stale bread
- 1 lb Ground meat
- 1 small Chopped Onion, finely-grated
- 2 tbsp Chopped feta cheese
- 2 tbsp Bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp Oil or melted butter
- 1 tbsp Parsley
- Salt
- To taste Pepper
- Mint
- Oregano
- 1 cup Flour
- 1 cup Oil, olive oil recommended
Method
- Soak bread in water and squeeze hard to drain.
- Combine soaked bread, ground meat, bread crumbs, oil or melted butter, onion, cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, and mint, and mix thoroughly.
- Form mixture into 1 inch-thick patties, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Roll in flour and fry in hot oil.
- Serve hot with French fries or mashed potatoes.
Tips for the best Albanian Fried Meatballs
- Rest the finished dish for a few minutes before serving — it lets the flavours settle and the texture firm up.
- Do not crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed so everything browns instead of steaming.
- Read the whole method before you start and measure out the 13 ingredients first — it keeps the pace relaxed once the heat is on.
Variations
- Vegetable boost: stir in a handful of spinach, peas or diced peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicier version: add a pinch of chilli flakes or a sliced fresh chilli with the aromatics.
Serving ideas
Finish with fresh herbs and serve family-style in the middle of the table.
Storage
Best eaten fresh. Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for 2 days; reheat in a hot pan or oven rather than the microwave to bring the crispness back.
Frequently asked questions
What can I substitute for stale bread?
Any ingredient with a similar texture and cooking time works; see the variations below for ideas. Keep quantities the same and adjust seasoning at the end.
Can I make Albanian Fried Meatballs ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, then cook just before serving for the best texture.
Is this Albanian Fried Meatballs recipe medium to make?
It is rated medium: 13 ingredients and 5 steps. Follow the order and the tips above and it is very forgiving.
How many people does this Albanian Fried Meatballs recipe serve?
As written it serves 4. The quantities scale up or down in a straight line, so double everything for 4×2.
Adapted from Wikibooks Cookbook, CC BY-SA 4.0 — source
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