Last Updated on January 9, 2021 by Chef Mireille
Qifqi – Albanian Rice Balls
Qifqi – Albanian Rice Balls are a quick and easy Vegetarian snack or serve them at your next party.
The Balkan States are not known for their Vegetarian dishes. Much of their cuisine comes from the Turks under the Ottoman Empire. Kebabs are the backbone of the Balkan States. Vegetables are usually either simply grilled or stuffed, often with meat also. Even breads are often stuffed with meat.
Qifqi is one of the few Vegetarian dishes you will find in the Balkan States. These are very similar to Italian arancini, except this has a unique flavor profile with dried mint. The quantity of mint used is subjective and you can use as much or as little as you prefer.
THE PAN
A special molded pan with individual cavities is uses to make Qifqi. Many regions of the world make different types of pancakes in these pans like Indian Paniyaram or Danish Aebleskiver. Now I have given you yet another reason to use the pan, if you own one. So bring out your pan and let’s get to making Qifqi.
The most common accompaniment to this would most likely be Ajvar, a sauce made from roasted red peppers and sometimes also eggplant. However, when I visit this Balkan market near me, they have such a large variety of vegetables spreads I wanted to try something different. Qifqi – Albanian Rice Balls were delicious with this Spicy Zucchini Spread.
These are such a delicious snack.
Pair it with a green salad if you prefer, and make a complete meal with Qifqi.
This is such a great use of leftover rice. The next time you have some leftover rice, try making Qifqi instead of Fried Rice.
Qifqi – Albanian Rice Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon dried mint or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt or more to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover and steam until rice has absorbed all of the water, about 15 minutes. Leave to cool to room temperature.
- In a bowl, beat 4 eggs with the mint, black pepper and salt.
- Add the rice and mix until thoroughly combined and rice is well coated with the egg.
- Heat a molded pan and brush each cavity with a little olive oil.
- Using an ice cream scoop, fill each cavity with the rice.
- Cover and cook on low heat 5-10 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Serve with ajvar or your favorite Balkan vegetable spread.
Nutrition
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Rice balls look so tasty .. something nice and worth trying .
It is so unique and that is why I was excited to try this simple recipe when I saw it!
These rice balls look delicious. Using a molded pan to make them is a great healthy option. I wonder if this recipe could be made vegan by using chick pea flour and some baking powder instead of the eggs?
That’s a great idea, but I would have to try it first to see if it would work!
Qifqi, first of all such a lovely name. Love how simple the recipe is and any excuse to bring out the appe pan. With vegetable spread, am sure they must be so crunchy and delicious.
yes it is super simple and makes a great snack!
Now I have a recipe to use my paniyaram pan. Will try this version for sure. They looks so delicious.
this is such an easy recipe – Definitely another great use of the paniyaram pan
Wow and I got a recipe with q, this is really a great find Mir, the fried balls look so inviting!
yes it is rare to find recipes that begin with the letter q . 🙂
Albanian rice balls looks so crispy and perfect for evening snacks. Love the idea of using paniyaram pan
yes the paniyaram pan has so many uses it seems 🙂
Has anyone tried cooking Qifqi without using molded pan? Can you write and inform me, please? :))
I cannot speak for anyone. However this is the way it is usually prepared. the only thing I can suggest trying is to form them into balls and then fry them. As I have never tried it myself, I cannot guarantee it will work, but it’s worth a try!
Making today…I need to know if I can make in advance and reheat.
Yes. I have made them in advance and you can warm them up in the microwave.