Fergesë e Tiranës me Mish Viçi

Fergesë e Tiranës me Mish Viçi Recipe - Traditional Albanian Dish

Region / culture: Albania | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fergesë e Tiranës me Mish Viçi is a traditional Albanian dish that combines tender veal cutlets with creamy feta cheese and a hint of spice. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Fergesë e Tiranës me Mish Viçi has been a staple in Albanian cuisine for generations. It is believed to have originated in the city of Tirana, the capital of Albania, where it is a popular dish served in local restaurants and homes alike.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) veal cutlets
0.5 lb (227 g) salted ricotta or cottage cheese or Greek feta cheese
1 tbsp flour
0.25 lb (113 g) (1 stick) butter
3 tbsp virgin olive oil
1 medium-sized onion
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
salt, black pepper, and chili pepper to taste

How to prepare

First, cut the veal cutlets into small pieces and then dice the onion.
In a saucepan, preheat the olive oil and sauté the meat and onion for 15 minutes.
In another saucepan, melt the butter and then add flour. Sauté until lightly browned. Add ricotta, cottage, or feta cheese, finely chopped garlic, black pepper, salt, and chili pepper to taste.
Mix all the ingredients together (including the sautéed meat and onions) in the saucepan and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute veal cutlets with chicken or lamb for a different flavor.
Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the veal cutlets into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

- Sautéing the meat and onions before baking helps to enhance the flavors of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of chili pepper to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Fergesë e Tiranës me Mish Viçi with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the meat and onions before baking helps to develop the flavors of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ricotta or cottage cheese instead of feta cheese if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Fergesë e Tiranës me Mish Viçi with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (flour)

Summary

Fergesë e Tiranës me Mish Viçi is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Fergesë e Tiranës me Mish Viçi is a delicious and comforting Albanian dish that is sure to become a favorite in your home. With its tender veal, creamy feta cheese, and spicy kick, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a vibrant dish called Fergesë e Tiranës me Mish Viçi, a traditional Albanian recipe that I learned from a dear friend many years ago. It quickly became one of my favorite dishes to make, as it was not only delicious but also a reminder of the rich culture and history of Albania.

I remember the day I learned how to make Fergesë e Tiranës me Mish Viçi like it was yesterday. My friend, Vjollca, invited me over to her home for lunch and told me she had a special recipe to share with me. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the tantalizing aroma of garlic and peppers sizzling in the pan.

Vjollca greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a glass of homemade rakia, a traditional Albanian spirit, before getting started on the dish. She explained that Fergesë e Tiranës me Mish Viçi was a popular dish in Albania, made with fresh vegetables, ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce.

As we cooked together, Vjollca shared stories of her childhood in Albania and how her grandmother used to make Fergesë e Tiranës me Mish Viçi for special occasions. She told me that the dish was a symbol of hospitality and love, as it was often shared with family and friends during gatherings.

I watched intently as Vjollca diced the onions and peppers, adding them to the pan with the ground beef. The sizzle of the ingredients filled the air, creating a mouth-watering scent that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

Next, Vjollca added a generous amount of paprika and cayenne pepper to the pan, giving the dish a spicy kick that I knew would be irresistible. She then poured in a creamy mixture of feta cheese and yogurt, stirring it until it formed a smooth and velvety sauce.

Finally, Vjollca spooned the mixture into a baking dish and topped it with a layer of shredded cheese before placing it in the oven to bake. As we waited for the dish to cook, Vjollca poured us each another glass of rakia and we sat at the table, chatting and laughing as old friends do.

When the Fergesë e Tiranës me Mish Viçi was finally ready, Vjollca removed it from the oven and served it with a side of fresh bread. The dish was a beautiful golden brown color, with the cheese bubbling and melting on top.

I took my first bite and was immediately transported back to Albania, with memories of my own childhood flooding back. The flavors of the dish were bold and comforting, a perfect balance of spicy and creamy that left me craving more.

As I savored each bite, I knew that Fergesë e Tiranës me Mish Viçi would become a staple in my own kitchen. I thanked Vjollca for sharing her recipe with me and vowed to pass it on to future generations, just as she had done for me.

And so, every time I make Fergesë e Tiranës me Mish Viçi, I am reminded of the special bond between friends and the power of food to bring people together. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the rich culinary heritage of Albania and the cherished memories shared with loved ones.