Meatballs in Six Styles

The Spanish word albóndiga comes from the Arabic al bundaq, meaning “round.” Kofte, or keftikes in the diminutive, are Spanish albóndigas, or “meatballs, ” but with a Turkish name. The meat mixture can be formed into oblongs or patties, as well as balls, and it is usually bound with softened bread crumbs, except during Passover when matzoh meal is used. Grated onion is sometimes added to the meat mixture to boost the flavor. The meatballs can be simply fri