A versatile fresh cheese hot pot from the Western Balkans, Fergese is an easy dinner with lots of bold flavors.
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"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." - Mother Teresa
Fërgesë is a traditional Albanian dish that features roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and cottage cheese (known as "djathë i bardhë" or "white cheese"). It's a savory and hearty dish often served as a main course or side dish, and it showcases the simple yet flavorful ingredients of Albanian cuisine.
Fërgesë has its origins in Albania's rich culinary heritage, reflecting the country's agricultural traditions and the use of locally available ingredients. The dish is believed to have ancient roots, with variations found in different regions across Albania.
Throughout history, Albanian cuisine has been influenced by various cultures due to the country's strategic location in the Balkans. While the core components of fërgesë remain constant – roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and white cheese – there can be regional and family-specific variations in terms of spices, preparation techniques, and additional ingredients.
Fërgesë is often cooked in a casserole dish or skillet, bringing together the sweetness of roasted red peppers and tomatoes with the creaminess of white cheese. The flavors meld beautifully during the cooking process, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that's suitable for various occasions.
The dish holds cultural significance in Albania and is commonly enjoyed during gatherings, celebrations, and family meals. Its simplicity and ability to be tailored to personal tastes make it a favorite among Albanians both in the country and in the Albanian diaspora.
In recent years, as Albanian cuisine gains recognition on the global culinary scene, dishes like fërgesë are being celebrated for their unique flavors and cultural importance. Restaurants and food enthusiasts are introducing traditional Albanian recipes to a wider audience, helping to preserve and share the country's culinary heritage.
Albanian fërgesë is more than just a dish; it's a representation of Albania's history, culture, and the strong connection Albanians have to their food traditions. As people come together to share a meal of fërgesë, they also share stories, laughter, and the warmth of their culture.
Albanian Fergese
Prep time 25 mins | Cook time 45 mins | Serves 3-4
Ingredients:
4 large red bell peppers
3 large tomatoes
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound (450g) cottage cheese (djathë i bardhë or white cheese), ricotta or feta could also work nicely,
1 teaspoon paprika, or smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or other herbs
Instructions:
1. Roast the Peppers:
Preheat your oven's broiler. Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet and broil, turning occasionally, until the skin is blistered and charred. This should take about 15-20 minutes. 400 degrees F works well for this
Once roasted, transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let them steam for a few minutes. This will make peeling the skin easier.
Peel the skin off the peppers, remove the seeds, and cut them into thin strips.
Leave the oven on so you can put whole mixture in at the end
2. Prepare the Tomatoes:
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cut a small "X" on the bottom of each tomato.
Drop the tomatoes into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water.
Peel the skin off the tomatoes and chop them.
3. Cook the Onions:
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the roasted red pepper strips to the skillet with the onions. Cook for a few minutes to combine flavors.
5. Add Tomatoes:
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for another few minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld.
6. Add Cottage Cheese:
Crumble the cottage cheese into the skillet and stir everything together. The cheese will melt slightly and combine with the other ingredients.
7. Seasoning:
Add paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Remember that the cheese might already be salty, so adjust accordingly.
8. Bake:
Transfer cheese mixture to a clay pot or some type of baking vessel and pop into a 400 degree oven until melty and roasted on top, little browned spots are good.
9. Serve:
Take it out of the oven and serve immediately, as the heat keeps it nice a moveable. You can top with chopped green onions or hot chile flakes for added pizzazz.
Albanian Fërgesë is a flavorful and comforting dish that showcases the sweetness of roasted peppers, the richness of the cheese, and the freshness of tomatoes. It's a representation of Albanian culinary heritage and is best enjoyed shared with loved ones.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. Let's explore international cuisine together!
If you like the flavors of the Balkans you'll also enjoy these recipes from the subcontinent:
Balkan
Main Dishes
Albanian Fergese - A cheese and roasted pepper hot pot
Bulgarian Banitsa - A cheese and filo dough pie
Croatian Pasticada - A hearty meat dish with gnocchi
Cypriot Koupepia - Meat and rice stuffed grape leaves.
Greek Gemista - A dish of rice stuffed peppers and roasted potatoes
Kosovar Fli - A layered pancake dish
Montenegrin Kacamak - A hearty corn flour porridge served with melted butter and cheese
North Macedonian Tavce Gravce - A filling sausage and bean hot dish
Serbian Karadjordjeva Snicla - A stuffed and rolled schnitzel type dish
On The Sweeter Side
Bosnian Tufahije - A sweet apple and nut dessert
Romanian Papanasi - A sweet cheese donut with berry jam and sour cream
Slovenian Potica - A Christmas bread with nuts and honey
Slovenian & Croatian Strukli - A rolled and steamed pie dish thats filled with ricotta and honey