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A Perfect Dish for Cold Winter Days
Albanian Fërgesë is a delicious dish that originates from Albania. This dish is a combination of peppers and tomatoes, along with meat and cheese. It is a hearty and flavourful meal that is perfect for a cold winter day.
Making the Fërgesë
To make Albanian Fërgesë, you will need ground beef or lamb, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and feta cheese. Start by browning the meat in a pan with some oil. Once the meat is browned, add the onions and peppers and cook until they are soft.
Next, add the tomatoes and cook until they
are soft and the mixture is slightly thickened. Then, add the feta cheese and stir until it is melted and well combined.
A Delicious Hearty Meal in Under an Hour
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. You can serve Albanian Fërgesë with bread or rice, or eat it on its own.
The dish is a popular comfort food in Albania and is often served during holidays and special occasions. It is a great way to showcase the rich flavours and ingredients of the Albanian cuisine.
How to Make the Albanian Fergese
Ingredients:
5 Roasted & Diced Red Bell Peppers
1 Diced Onions
150g Feta Cheese
400g Diced Tomatoes
1 Tsp Chilli Flakes
20g Flour
20g Butter
40g Greek Yogurt
2 Tbsp Basil
Pepper
Method:
- Prepare The Pepper Mix
Sweat the onion in a small drop of olive oil until softened – about 3 minutes, then remove and set aside.
2. Simmer the red bell peppers, tomatoes, and basil on medium to high heat for 10 minutes – the mixture should have thickened with little liquid remaining. Mix in the onion and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare The Cheese Mix
In a separate small saucepan melt the butter. Mix in the flour to form a roux. Crumble in the feta while stirring quickly. Once all has melted, you should have a thick texture – add the yogurt.
- Prepare The Fergese For Cooking
Mix the feta and yogurt mixture with the pepper and tomato mixture. Season with the Chilli flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cooking
Split into 2 dishes and cook on 180 degrees for 30 minutes. Leave to cool slightly before serving – best served with crusty bread.
Recommended Wine for Albanian Fergese Dish
Fërgesë is a rich and flavourful Albanian dish, typically made with ingredients like peppers, tomatoes, onions, and a creamy mixture of ricotta or feta cheese. The dish’s bold, savoury, and slightly tangy flavours make it an excellent candidate for pairing with wines that complement its texture and acidity. Here are some recommendations:
White Wines Pairing
Chardonnay Unoaked
A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay can balance the creaminess of the cheese while enhancing the tanginess of the tomatoes.
Sauvignon Blanc
Its vibrant acidity and herbaceous notes harmonize with the peppers and onions.
Pinot Grigio
A light, zesty Pinot Grigio can clean the palate and match the dish’s fresh ingredients.
Red Wines Pairing
Pinot Noir
A light-bodied red wine with soft tannins can enhance the sweet and smoky notes of roasted peppers.
Grenache
Known for its fruit-forward and slightly spicy profile, it pairs well with the roasted elements.
Shesh i Zi
An indigenous Albanian red wine that complements the local flavours perfectly. Its medium body and earthy tones are a natural fit.
Rosé Wines Pairing
Dry Rosé Any
A dry rosé from Provence or Albania pairs wonderfully with the dish’s creaminess and tang.
If you’re in Albania, exploring local wines we recommend trying some of the local wines listed below
Exploring local wines like Shesh i Bardhë or Shesh i Zi would add authenticity and a harmonious pairing to your meal if you’re in Albania.
Enjoy your meal!
