Delicious ground beef rounds are used in the Bosnian Cufte recipe or meatballs which are then simmered in a simple tomato sauce. The dish is as straightforward as its name suggests—”crushed meat.” For enhanced flavor, the beef mixture may be combined with chopped onion and herbs. The thick, flavorful tomato sauce in which the cufte are drenched is the true star of this meal. This is the ideal home-style comfort food, so spoon some up with a slice of bread or some mashed potatoes.
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The recipe card below contains all the necessary ingredients and instructions to make these delicious meatballs, which are made from ground beef or lamb, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. The mixture is then rolled into balls and either baked or fried until golden brown.
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What I appreciate about this recipe is how simple it is to make. Despite being packed with flavor, the ingredient list is not overwhelming, and the instructions are straightforward. This makes it an excellent recipe for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and easy dinner idea. Another benefit of this recipe is its versatility. The meatballs can be served on their own as an appetizer, or as a main course with sides such as rice, potatoes, or vegetables. Additionally, they can be served hot or cold, making them perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
Overall, I highly recommend giving this Bosnian Cufte recipe a try. It’s a delicious and simple dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Just be sure to check out the recipe card below for all the details on how to make it yourself.
The Complete Recipe with Ingredients and Step by Step Instructions is Listed Below
3 Reasons People Love the Bosnia Cufte Recipe
1. Bosnian Cufte recipe has a delicious blend of flavors
One of the reasons I love this recipe is because of the unique blend of spices used to season the meatballs. The combination of garlic, onions, and various herbs creates a mouth-watering aroma and flavor that’s hard to resist. Each bite is bursting with a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors that leave you wanting more.
2. Bosnian Cufte recipe is easy to make
Another reason why I appreciate this recipe is how simple it is to make. As a busy person, I don’t always have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen, and this recipe doesn’t require too much effort. With only a few ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, I can whip up a tasty dinner in no time. Plus, I can make a large batch and save the leftovers for later.
3. Bosnian Cufte recipe is a versatile dish
Lastly, I love how versatile this recipe is. The meatballs can be served in a variety of ways, including as a main dish, appetizer, or snack. They pair well with a range of sides, including rice, vegetables, or potatoes, making them a perfect dish for any occasion. I also love that I can customize the spices to my liking, adding more or less to suit my taste buds.
How To Make Our Bosnian Cufte Recipe
Ingredients (8 Servings)
For the Meatballs:
2 lbs ground beef
1 large onion, grated
2 eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup milk
For the Sauce:
1 onion, chopped
3 tbsp flour
2 tbsp oil
2 tbsp tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, black pepper, and milk. Mix well with your hands.
3. Use your hands to form the mixture into small meatballs (approximately 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
5. While the meatballs are baking, make the sauce. In a large saucepan, sauté chopped onion in oil until soft and translucent.
6. Add flour and tomato paste to the pan and stir well.
7. Slowly add beef broth to the pan, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
8. Bring the sauce to a boil and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
9. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
10. When the meatballs are done baking, add them to the sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Nutritional Information For the Bosnian Cufte Recipe
Calories: 443
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Protein: 30 g
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Cholesterol: 151 mg
Sodium: 986 mg
Potassium: 586 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Pots, Pans, and Cooking Equipment Needed for the Bosnian Cufte Recipe
Large mixing bowl
Large skillet
Spatula
Paper towels
Best Way to Store Leftovers From the Bosnia Cufte Recipe
The best way to store leftovers for the Bosnian Cufte recipe is to place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. When reheating, it is best to use the oven or a toaster oven to maintain their crispy texture.
Substitutions For the Bosnian Cufte Recipe
Ground lamb or pork can be substituted for ground beef
Finely chopped scallions or shallots can be used instead of onion
Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used in place of regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option
Substitutions For the Vegetarian Bosnia Cufte Recipe
As the main ingredient in this dish is ground beef, it is difficult to make a vegetarian version of Bosnian Cufte. However, vegetarians can try using a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein to mimic the texture of ground beef.
Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation
If the mixture is too sticky to handle, add a little more breadcrumbs to absorb the moisture.
If you are short on time, form the mixture into meatballs instead of the traditional oval-shaped patties.
You can also add grated cheese to the mixture for added flavor and moisture.
Side Dishes and Desserts For the Bosnian Cufte Recipe
Roasted potatoes
Rice pilaf
Grilled vegetables
Tomato salad
How To Serve the Bosnia Cufte Recipe
Serve the Bosnian Cufte hot as a main dish with a side of potatoes, rice, or salad. They can also be served on a bun as a sandwich with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
FAQs About the Bosnian Cufte Recipe
What is the origin of the Bosnian Cufte Recipe?
The Bosnian Cufte Recipe originates from Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it is a popular dish.
Can I freeze the Bosnian Cufte Recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the Bosnian Cufte Recipe. Let the meatballs cool completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How can I make the Bosnian Cufte Recipe healthier?
To make the Bosnian Cufte Recipe healthier, use lean ground beef, substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs, and bake the meatballs instead of frying them. You can also serve them with a side of vegetables or a salad to increase the nutritional value of the meal.
Can I use a different type of meat for the Bosnian Cufte Recipe?
Yes, you can use a different type of ground meat for the Bosnian Cufte Recipe, such as ground lamb or pork.
What is the best way to reheat the Bosnian Cufte Recipe?
To reheat the Bosnian Cufte Recipe, place the meatballs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes.
Final Thoughts
After cooking the Bosnian Cufte recipe, I can confidently say that it’s a recipe that deserves a place in every home cook’s recipe box. The blend of spices and herbs creates a flavor profile that is truly unique and delicious, and the meatballs themselves are juicy and tender.
I found the recipe to be easy to follow, even as someone who doesn’t consider themselves to be an expert in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and clear instructions, I was able to create a dish that was both impressive and satisfying.
One thing I appreciated about the recipe is how versatile it is. I was able to serve the meatballs as a main dish with a side of rice, but they could also make for a great appetizer or snack. The leftovers also held up well in the fridge, making them a perfect option for meal prep.
Overall, I highly recommend giving the Bosnian Cufte recipe a try. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Large Skillet
- Spatula
- Paper towels
Ingredients
For the Meatballs>
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion grated
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Sauce:
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, black pepper, and milk. Mix well with your hands.
- Use your hands to form the mixture into small meatballs (approximately 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- While the meatballs are baking, make the sauce. In a large saucepan, sauté chopped onion in oil until soft and translucent.
- Add flour and tomato paste to the pan and stir well.
- Slowly add beef broth to the pan, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring the sauce to a boil and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- When the meatballs are done baking, add them to the sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
