Jufka me Mish të Zier

Jufka me Mish të Zier is a traditional Albanian dish that combines homemade pasta known as jufka with tender boiled meat, often beef or lamb. Jufka, similar to tagliatelle, is a type of dried pasta made of flour, eggs, and salt, and designed to be hearty enough to hold up to the rich, savory flavors of the dish. This dish has its roots in Albanian villages, cherished both for its simple preparation and the comfort it provides, making it a favorite for family gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients for Jufka me Mish të Zier

• Beef (or lamb) - 1 kg
• Jufka (homemade or store-bought) - 500 g
• Onion - 1 large
• Garlic - 3 cloves
• Carrot - 2 medium
• Celery stalk - 1
• Tomato - 2
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Bay leaf - 2 leaves
• Parsley - for garnish

Preparation Steps

Begin by preparing your beef or lamb. Trim any excess fat, then cut the meat into large chunks, as they will shrink and become tender during the cooking process. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Next, add minced garlic, slices of carrot, and chopped celery. Cook these vegetables until they've softened, imparting a fragrant base for your stew. Stir in roughly chopped tomatoes and blend all ingredients well.

Cooking Process

Place the beef into the pot, along with two bay leaves. Pour enough water to cover the mixture and season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, covering the pot and allowing the meat to simmer for approximately 3 hours, or until it is tender.

As the meat cooks, prepare the jufka by boiling it in a separate pot according to package instructions or until it has reached the desired tenderness. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Final Assembly

When the beef has reached optimal tenderness, add the cooked jufka to the stew. Stir well to ensure the pasta soaks up the savory broth and becomes infused with the rich flavors of the meat and vegetables. Allow this mixture to simmer together for another 10-15 minutes.

Enjoying Jufka me Mish të Zier

Jufka me Mish të Zier is best enjoyed hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve it directly from the pot for a family-style meal, accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the aromatic broth. Consider setting a timer to ensure each component is perfectly cooked and your meal is ready to be savored at its peak.