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Romanian Meatballs (Chiftele) – Authentic & Flavorful Recipe
Chiftele, or Romanian Meatballs, are a delicious and traditional dish made with ground pork, grated potatoes, and fresh herbs. These meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare using different cooking methods – frying, baking, or air-frying. Perfect for serving with mashed potatoes, rice, or salads, and great for meal prepping! 
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (500g) ground pork
- 2 medium potatoes, grated
- 1 large onion, finely chopped or grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Prepare the Potato Mixture:
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- Stir in the grated potatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Let cool.
Make the Meat Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix the ground pork, eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, dill, and parsley.
- Add the cooled potato mixture and mix everything well.
Shape the Meatballs:
- Form small, round meatballs or slightly flattened patties.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizing.
Cook the Meatballs:
- Frying Method: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat, fry meatballs for 6-8 minutes until browned.
- Baking Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C), place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Air Frying Method: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C), cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Notes
Romanian Meatballs, known as Chiftele, are one of the most beloved traditional dishes in Romania! These flavorful meatballs, made with juicy ground pork, grated potatoes, and fresh herbs, are the perfect comfort food. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, they come out incredibly tender, moist, and packed with flavor!
Why You'll Love This Recipe 
Super Easy to Make – No fancy ingredients required, just simple, wholesome components! Authentic Romanian Flavor – A classic dish passed down through generations. Versatile Cooking Options – Fry them, bake them, or air-fry them! Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully.
Secret Tips for the BEST Chiftele
Use a grater for onions – This ensures the meatballs stay juicy!
Adjust consistency – If too dry, add an extra egg; if too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
Don’t overmix – Mix gently to keep them tender!
Try different meats – A mix of pork, beef, or lamb enhances flavor.
How to Serve Romanian Meatballs
Chiftele can be served in many delicious ways:
-
With Mashed Potatoes
– The ultimate comfort meal!
-
With Rice
– Simple and satisfying.
-
With a Side Salad
– A lighter, healthier option.
-
In a Sandwich
– Stuff them in a crusty bun with a garlic sauce!
How to Store & Freeze Romanian Meatballs
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Place meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. 
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: 1-2 minutes on high.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
FAQ
Q: Can I use ground chicken or turkey?A: Absolutely! But keep in mind that lean meats might result in drier meatballs. Consider adding a little olive oil or grated zucchini for extra moisture. Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Q: What other veggies can I add?
A: You can replace potatoes with grated zucchini or carrots for a slightly different texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
Chiftele are a Romanian family staple that brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, these juicy, flavorful meatballs will quickly become a favorite in your home! 
Give this recipe a try and let me know how you like it! Enjoy your delicious homemade Romanian meatballs!
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