Gjellë me Arra të Ellit
Gjellë me Arra të Ellit Recipe - Delicious Albanian Dish
Introduction
Gjellë me Arra të Ellit, also known as Meat with Walnut Sauce, is a traditional Albanian dish that is rich in flavor and history. This dish combines tender meat with a creamy walnut sauce, creating a unique and delicious meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.
History
Gjellë me Arra të Ellit has been a staple in Albanian cuisine for centuries. The combination of meat and walnuts is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed by generations of Albanian families. This dish is often served during special occasions and celebrations, as it is considered a true delicacy in Albanian culture.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Place the meat or chicken in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until tender.
- Then remove the meat and set it aside in a dish, while leaving the remaining juices in the saucepan.
- In another saucepan, add the flour and stir over heat until it becomes light brown in color (do not overcook!).
- Add half a stick of butter to the saucepan.
- Then, add the finely crushed walnuts, minced garlic clove, and the two egg yolks, stirring constantly.
- Add the juices from the other saucepan and stir until all the ingredients thicken.
- Immediately remove from the heat to avoid solidifying the egg yolks.
- Fold in either the meat or chicken.
- Pan fry the remaining half stick of butter until brown and pour it over the four servings.
Variations
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with tofu or mushrooms.
- Add a touch of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the meat until it is tender to ensure a delicious and flavorful dish.
- Stir the walnut sauce constantly to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Gjellë me Arra të Ellit with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Pan-frying the butter adds a rich and nutty flavor to the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use chicken or lamb instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the walnut sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped walnuts for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve Gjellë me Arra të Ellit with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
400 per serving
Carbohydrates
12g per serving
Fats
25g per serving
Proteins
30g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is rich in iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.
Alergens
This dish contains nuts and eggs.
Summary
Gjellë me Arra të Ellit is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. It is a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded meal option.
Summary
Gjellë me Arra të Ellit is a classic Albanian dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its rich flavors and creamy walnut sauce, this dish is a true delight for the taste buds. Enjoy this traditional recipe for a taste of Albanian cuisine at home.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Gjellë me Arra të Ellit. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Anna in her quaint little village in Albania. Anna had always been known for her culinary skills, and I had been lucky enough to learn many delicious recipes from her over the years.
On this particular day, Anna invited me into her kitchen to watch her prepare a traditional Albanian dish that she had learned from her own grandmother. As she gathered the ingredients and began to cook, I couldn't help but be captivated by the aromas and flavors that filled the room.
The dish was called Gjellë me Arra të Ellit, which translates to Lamb Stew with Walnuts. It was a rich and hearty dish that combined tender pieces of lamb with a creamy walnut sauce, flavored with a blend of spices and herbs. Anna explained to me that this recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, and that each cook added their own touch to make it uniquely their own.
As I watched Anna work her magic in the kitchen, I was struck by the way she moved with such grace and confidence. She chopped the onions and garlic with precision, browned the lamb in a hot skillet, and then simmered it slowly in a pot with the walnut sauce until it was tender and flavorful. With each step, she seemed to be in perfect harmony with the ingredients, as if she were conducting a symphony of flavors and textures.
I asked Anna how she had learned to make this dish, and she smiled and told me a story that I will never forget. She explained that when she was a young girl, her grandmother had taken her into the kitchen and taught her the secrets of Albanian cooking. Together, they had spent hours stirring pots, tasting sauces, and perfecting the art of blending flavors.
One day, her grandmother had decided to teach her the recipe for Gjellë me Arra të Ellit. She had shown Anna how to toast the walnuts until they were golden and fragrant, how to grind them into a smooth paste, and how to combine them with the lamb and spices to create a dish that was both comforting and exotic.
As Anna spoke, I could see the love and respect she had for her grandmother shining in her eyes. She told me that her grandmother had been a master in the kitchen, and that she had passed down not just recipes, but a way of life that was rooted in tradition and family.
I felt honored to be able to watch Anna prepare this dish, and I knew that I would treasure the memory of that day forever. As we sat down to eat, the flavors of the Gjellë me Arra të Ellit danced on my tongue, and I felt a deep sense of connection to the past and to the generations of cooks who had come before me.
Since that day, I have made Gjellë me Arra të Ellit many times, always with a sense of reverence and gratitude for the legacy that Anna and her grandmother have passed down to me. Each time I cook this dish, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.
And so, as I sit here writing this story, surrounded by the aromas of simmering lamb and toasting walnuts, I am filled with a sense of peace and contentment. I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, and for the love and friendship that have enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined.
Categories
| Albanian Meat Dishes | Albanian Recipes | Albanian Snacks | Chicken Recipes | Veal Recipes | Walnut Recipes |