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One of the Most Popular Dishes in Albania
Albanian cuisine is famous for its delicious, hearty meals, which are always full of flavour. Among the most popular dishes in Albania, Peshk në Furrë, or Oven-Baked Fish, stands out. This classic dish wins the hearts of both locals and tourists.
Making the Dish
To prepare Peshk në Furrë, start with a whole fish like sea bass or sea bream. Season the fish generously with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Then, place it in a baking dish and cover it with a vibrant layer of sliced onions, tomatoes, and green peppers. Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the fish and vegetables before baking everything in the oven. The fish cooks through and the vegetables become beautifully tender.
A Delicious and Flavourful Dish
The result is a delicious and flavourful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Peshk në Furrë is often served with a side of fresh salad and crusty bread, and it pairs well with a crisp white wine.
A Dish Steeped in Tradition and Culture
In Albania, Peshk në Furrë is a dish that is steeped in tradition and culture. It is a dish that has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is a dish that is loved by all who try it. Whether you are an Albanian local or a visitor to the country, you simply must try this delicious and authentic Albanian dish.
How to make the Peshk ne Furre Oven-Baked Fish
Ingredients:
2 medium whole branzino fish
or sea bass gutted and cleaned
2 lemons thinly sliced
2 sprigs of rosemary
2 sprigs of flat-leaf parsley
1 tsp dry thyme
1 pinch of coarse salt (as needed)
1 pinch black pepper
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Rinse the fish with cold water and pat dry. Then place the fish on a lightly oiled baking pan. Lightly rub with olive oil and season with sea salt, pepper, and thyme inside out.
- Then inside the cavity arrange parsley, rosemary, and sliced lemons (3-4 slices for each fish).
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Then place the pan in the broil for 2 more minutes to crisp the skin.
- Remove from the oven drizzle with olive oil and finish with a squeeze of lemon.
Recommended Wine for Peshk ne Furre Oven-Baked Fish
Peshk ne Furre (Oven-Baked Fish) is a classic Albanian dish typically featuring whole fish like seabass, sea bream, or trout, cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Its Mediterranean flavours pair wonderfully with certain wines. Here are some recommendations:
Albariño
This Spanish wine offers bright acidity and citrusy notes that complement the dish’s herbs and baked tomatoes.
Sauvignon Blanc
A crisp, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc (from Loire Valley or New Zealand) can enhance the herbaceous elements of the dish.
Vermentino
An Italian white from the region of Sardinia and Liguria, with hints of citrus, stone fruits, and saline notes to echo the fish’s oceanic flavours. Vermentino is a light-skinned wine grape variety, primarily found in Italian wine.
Rkatsiteli
This Georgian white wine with floral and citrusy undertones works well with Mediterranean-style baked fish. In Kakheti it was particularly known for its sweet dessert wines fashioned in the same manner as port wine. Rkatseteli is widely cultivated in Georgia.
If you’re looking to keep it local or regional, consider an Albanian Shesh i Bardhë, a white wine that pairs naturally with traditional Albanian flavours.
Enjoy your meal!
