Albanian Meat with Walnuts
Albanian Meat with Walnuts is a classic for good reason — shelled walnuts does most of the work, and the method is approachable enough for a weeknight. A hot pan and a little patience give you the kind of colour and texture that makes this dish. Read through the tips before you start — a couple of small details go a long way with this one.
- Serves 4
- Level Medium
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 15 Shelled walnuts, finely crushed
- 2 Egg Yolks, beaten
- 1 Garlic Clove, minced
- ¼ lb (1 stick / 8 tbsp) butter
- 2 –3 lbs of veal or chicken meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
Method
- Place the meat or chicken in a saucepan, and cook over medium heat until tender.
- Remove the meat, and set it aside in a dish while leaving the remaining juices in the saucepan.
- In another saucepan, add the flour and stir over heat until it becomes light brown in color—do not overcook! Then, add half the butter.
- Add the walnuts, garlic, and egg yolks, stirring constantly.
- Add the meat juices from the other saucepan, and stir until all the ingredients thicken. Immediately remove from the heat to avoid solidifying the egg yolks. Fold in the meat.
- Pan fry the remaining half stick of butter until brown, and pour over the dish before serving.
Tips for the best Albanian Meat with Walnuts
- Do not crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed so everything browns instead of steaming.
- Taste as you go. Seasoning at the end is fine, but adjusting halfway through gives a more balanced result.
- Rest the finished dish for a few minutes before serving — it lets the flavours settle and the texture firm up.
- Read the whole method before you start and measure out the 6 ingredients first — it keeps the pace relaxed once the heat is on.
Variations
- Swap the chicken for turkey or firm tofu or chickpeas — keep the cooking time similar and check for doneness.
- Spicier version: add a pinch of chilli flakes or a sliced fresh chilli with the aromatics.
- Vegetable boost: stir in a handful of spinach, peas or diced peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving ideas
Pairs well with a simple salad and a glass of something cold.
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
How many people does this Albanian Meat with Walnuts recipe serve?
As written it serves 4. The quantities scale up or down in a straight line, so double everything for 4×2.
Is this Albanian Meat with Walnuts recipe medium to make?
It is rated medium: 6 ingredients and 6 steps. Follow the order and the tips above and it is very forgiving.
What can I substitute for shelled walnuts?
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 Meat with Walnuts 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.
Adapted from Wikibooks Cookbook, CC BY-SA 4.0 — source
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