Qifqi - Albanian Rice Balls

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) cooked rice 2 cups (400g) cooked rice
• 250g ground beef or lamb 250g ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, ground meat, onion, garlic, parsley, dill, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
3. 3.
   Dip each rice ball into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
4. 4.
   Roll the coated rice ball in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the surface.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat. Fry the rice balls in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. 6.
   Serve the Qifqi hot as an appetizer or snack, accompanied by a yogurt dip or tomato sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — It is best to use leftover cooked rice that has been refrigerated overnight. This helps in achieving the right texture for the Qifqi.
• Ground meat — You can use either beef or lamb for this recipe. Make sure the meat is lean to avoid excessive oiliness in the final dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the rice mixture.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground meat and add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added texture.
• To make the Qifqi even crispier, you can double-coat them by dipping them in the beaten eggs and breadcrumbs twice before frying.
• Serve the Qifqi immediately after frying to enjoy them at their crispy best.
• Leftover Qifqi can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Qifqi as an appetizer or snack, accompanied by a refreshing yogurt dip or a tangy tomato sauce. They can also be served as a side dish with a main course.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Qifqi on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Serve them with a side of yogurt dip or tomato sauce for dipping.