Albanian cuisine is known for its Mediterranean and Balkan influences, with a focus on fresh, simple ingredients and hearty flavors. Here are three traditional Albanian recipes to try:
Tavë Kosi (Baked Lamb with Yogurt)
Ingredients:
- 1 kg lamb, cubed
- 500g yogurt
- 4 eggs
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, eggs, flour, and salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and brown the lamb on all sides.
- Transfer the lamb to a baking dish and pour the yogurt mixture over it.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, until the yogurt has set and the lamb is cooked through.
Fërgesë (Peppers and Tomatoes with Feta)
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, sliced
- 4 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil and sauté the onion until soft.
- Add the peppers and tomatoes, and cook until they start to soften.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and stir in the crumbled feta.
- Cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the feta has melted and the vegetables are fully cooked.
Byrek me Spinaq (Spinach Pie)
Ingredients:
- 500g spinach, chopped
- 300g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package of phyllo pastry sheets
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- In a large bowl, mix together the spinach, feta cheese, onion, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Brush a baking dish with olive oil, and lay a few sheets of phyllo pastry on the bottom.
- Spoon the spinach mixture over the pastry, and cover with a few more sheets of phyllo.
- Repeat until all the pastry and filling is used up.
- Brush the top layer of pastry with olive oil, and bake for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Enjoy these traditional Albanian dishes