This easy Macedonian recipe for gluten-free beef and feta rissoles is perfect for dinner, cocktails, or just as a snack. Best of all, it is gluten-free, made with simple ingredients, and global.
It is known in one form or the other and loved all around the world.

Back when eating was a detested chore, I looked forward to rissoles.
Although I'm no longer an anorexic picky eater, and I still love rissoles the way mom makes them, this gluten-free Macedonian recipe is much more agreeable with my attempt to eat healthier.
๐ Why it Works
Macedonian rissoles, aka koftinja, are made without onions, garlic, and bread.
They don't fall apart while frying. What is keeping them together, I do not know. I know only that they are deliciously perfect. Nothing else matters much.
The star ingredient in these gluten-free meat patties is feta cheese, and the gravy is the icing on the cake.
The gravy is made with ajvar which is also gluten-free and an ideal condiment for the meat patties (you can use tomato paste instead).
Ajvar is a pepper-based condiment made principally from roasted red peppers and eggplant, with garlic, oil, and sometimes hot peppers for a spicy version. My mom's recipe for ajvar is the best! To make it, it takes almost a whole day.
Serve them with a side of oven-roasted cabbage wedges or boiled potatoes.
๐ช Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients for the rissoles. Blend it with your clean hands or using a wooden spoon. Use wet hands to form six patties.
- Add rissoles to a frying pan and fry in oil for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until cooked.
- Transfer the rissoles to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. To the pan, add the ajvar or tomato paste and whipping cream. Stir and let simmer for a few minutes; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Onion and Feta Savory Bread Pudding
- Bacon Bread Dumplings
- Leftover Cheeseburger Salad
- Meatloaf with Hard-Boiled Eggs and Bacon
Liked this recipe? Leave a โญโญโญโญโญ rating and/or a review in the comments section. Your feedback is always appreciated! Stay in touch through Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook! Don't forget to sign up for my email list below too!
Macedonian beef rissoles with feta and ajvar gravy
EQUIPMENT
- Cast-iron or nonstick frying pan
Ingredients
For Rissoles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
- 2 oz. crumbled feta cheese
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- ยผ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Gravy
- ยพ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Macedonian-style ajvar relish, substitute with tomato paste
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients for the rissoles. Blend it with your clean hands or using a wooden spoon. Don't over mix; it'll make your rissoles tough. Use wet hands to form six patties.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add rissoles; fry for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until cooked.
- Transfer the rissoles to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. To the pan, add the ajvar or tomato paste and whipping cream. Stir and let simmer for a few minutes; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Marissa | Squirrels of a Feather says
Update: I made this and my kids DID eat it despite the parsley and feta inside, SCORE. They did not like the sauce, but we adults did. Great recipe ๐
Jas says
YAY! I love to hear that. Made my day! Thanks so much for trying it out, Marissa! Much appreciated. XO
Dagmar Bleasdale says
Dear Jas, I was very happy to welcome you again at my latest link party. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe, I'm always looking for more gluten free dinner ideas!
I hope to welcome you back soon,
warm regards,
Dagmar
Jas says
Thank you so much, dear Dagmar! I love partying with you ๐
April J Harris says
I was so interested to learn about these Rissoles, and their history. I do love reading people's memories around food. I've never eaten Rissoles before but I'd definitely like to give them a try, Jas! I had also never heard of Ajvar but it sure sounds delicious too. Thank you so much for sharing this post, and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party. I hope your week is going well!
Jas says
I'm sure you had them under a different name, April. Each country has their own version of spice blends they use and they call them something else. They're almost like a hamburger or individual meatloaf fried in a pan, LOL. Nothing fancy, but yummy. You'll have to try ajvar if you can get your hands on it. Thank you for always taking the time to read my ramblings! Hugs
Kim~madeinaday says
These look delicious! I bet the feta makes them so yummy! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
Kim
Jas says
They are surprisingly yummy, considering there are a few ingredients. Thanks, Kim!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
These look delicious! I love learning about new food things - like ajvar. I've never heard of it, but I sure want to try it now! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party - and Happy Mother's Day!
Jas says
Thanks, Helen! Ajvar is a must-have relish for grilled meat or just enjoyed on a big slice of [fresh from the oven] bread. ๐ Happy Mother's Day!
candy says
These look really delicious and we will be trying them out. Found you on Blogger's Pit Stop
Jas says
I hope you do, Candy! They are really yummy.
Linda S says
I love that you introduce me to new recipes and dishes, Jas! This looks like something my family would love - pinning to try later!
Jas says
I love that you love my new recipes, Linda! It means a lot. ๐ Hugs
Miz Helen says
I love the addition of the Feta to this patties, and oh my that gravy looks delicious! So glad you could join us on Full Plate Thursday and thanks so much for sharing with us. Hope you have a great week and a very Happy Mothers Day!
Miz Helen
Jas says
Thanks so much, Miz Helen! I appreciate you. Hugs
Marissa | Squirrels of a Feather says
This looks great, Jas! I was planning on making some beef kefta this week, but I might make this instead...my kids are โmehโ about greens so I like to blend it up in meats as well ๐ Then they love parsley in Salisbury Steak and also Chinese dumplings...so I think they would love this!
Jas says
I hope they'll like it, Marissa! Thank you for stopping in!