Albanian Qofte (Meatball) Sliders with Feta Aioli
Albanian Qofte (Meatball) Sliders with Feta Aioli are packed with mint, feta, and garlic. They taste amazing with the feta aioli on top.
Some information about Albania:
Albania was chosen as the No.1 Destination in Lonely Planet‘s list of ten top countries to visit for 2011.[17]
Although a small country, Albania is distinguished for its rich biological diversity. The total number of plants is over 3250 species, approximately 30% of the entire flora species found in Europe.
Albania forests are home to range of species. They have bears (duh) and wolves, wold boars and chamois (which I thought was a type of cloth. *shrugs*). There’s also lynx which are rare and pine marters and polecats. Also rare. It has the last of the Balkan lynx in existence. Once thought to be extinct, they are critically endangered and might soon be extinct as their numbers are estimated in the 100s. However, conservationists and the neighboring countries (Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro) are working together to bring this majestic animal back from the “dead” so to speak.
Albania is for the birds! Literally.
Albania has 350 species of raptors. The golden eagle being one of them. It is also the national symbol of Albania. The local name of Albania is ‘Shqiperia’, which can be translated to ‘Land of the Eagles’.
The national airport of Albania is named after Mother Teresa. The full name of the the airport is Tirana International Nene Tereza.
The ancient city of Butrint is a World Heritage Site. It became an important stop on the trade routes in 4th century BC. There are fortifications from the 6th century BC, a stage from the 3rd century BC, and some basilicas and baptistry from the palaeo-Christian era.
Albania is one of the least-developed countries in Europe, BUT they have free health care. I guess if you don’t have much you can’t expect much in forms of payment. *shrugs*
What’s the food in Albania like?
The food of Albania has been influenced by all of its neighboring countries, but from what I’ve seen of their recipes, I think Greece has made the most influence. Including their lunch, which is a large salad of tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and olives. Hmm…
I was initially going to make Byrek. Well, actually I did make it, but it was a fail. I forgot the eggs. I WILL be trying that again as a #MeatlessMonday dish. It was tasty otherwise. Just a tad bit dry.
So, I looked at my list again and found the Qofte or meatballs. Hmm…okay. What to have with them? Veggies? Potatoes? Then I saw a recipe for barbecue meatball sliders or something like that and that’s what I figured I would do. Albanian Qofte Sliders! PERFECT!
How to make Albanian Qofte (Meatball) Sliders:
Combine first 7 ingredients (beef through garlic powder) in a mixing bowl. Form into 12 meatballs approximately 2 inches in diameter.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and swirl to coat. Fry the meatballs 10 to 12 minutes making sure to brown on all sides.
Albanian Qofte (Meatball) Sliders with Feta Aioli
Albanian Qofte (Meatball) Sliders with Feta Aioli are packed with mint, feta, and garlic. They taste amazing with the feta aioli on top.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef 97/3
- 3 ounces low fat feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup egg substitute
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 12 small whole wheat dinner rolls
Instructions
- Combine first 7 ingredients (beef through garlic powder) in a mixing bowl. Form into 12 meatballs approximately 2 inches in diameter.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and swirl to coat.
- Fry the meatballs 10 to 12 minutes making sure to brown on all sides.
- Combine remaining feta cheese with the mayonnaise and garlic in a food processor and process until smooth.
- Split the dinner rolls and spread 1 tablespoon feta aioli and top with a meatball.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 319Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 47mgSodium 481mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 3gSugar 4gProtein 18g
These look excellent and right up my alley! I'm 50% greek and love feta cheese! I definitely have to try this recipe :o) Great share Christie; thanks for linking up!
wow I learned so much about that small country. I will have to try these meatballs with fresh mint from my garden
Thanks for this easy recipe, which I'm sure turned out yummy as well!
Yay, another way I can use feta!
Yum! I love trying new dishes from around the world! This one looks really good!
Meatballs are yummy, so I bet this is just delicious! Thanks for sharing at Submarine Sunday!
Wow – I've never tried sliders with feta before. They sound amazing! Pinning for sure 🙂 I'd be thrilled if you'd come on over to Pink Recipe Box and link up at Creative Wednesdays: http://pinkrecipebox.com/creative-wednesdays-with-pink-recipe-box-7/
These look so tasty! Awesomeness!
(new follower here!)
Morgaine @ Madcap Frenzy
P.S. I would love if you would link up any of your awesome posts at my August Totally Tuesday Link Party: http://madcapfrenzy.blogspot.com/2013/08/august-totally-tuesday-link-party.html
Hugs!
These look wonderful! Thanks for sharing at Simple Supper Tuesday.
I did not know Albania was a tourist destination, but I love the food from that area of the world. Thanks for the kofte recipe…I'll find time to make them.
I am looking Albania up, I did not know about the wildlife it has. I am a outdoor enthusiast and this is so interesting. Now for your burger, that is why I clicked from Hun whats for Dinner. Looks fantastic. I will be stopping by to like you on facebook, see you there.