A complex dish with old school Balkan roots, the Flija is a legendary dish you just have to try for yourself.
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"Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people get together to eat." - Besa Kosova
Flija is a beloved traditional dish in Kosovo, known for its simple ingredients and unique preparation method. It consists of alternating layers of thin batter and a dairy product, usually yogurt, sour cream, or butter, all cooked together. The dish is cooked slowly over an open flame, and the layers are built up until it forms a thick, savory pie-like creation. It's often enjoyed during special occasions, family gatherings, and festivals, showcasing the strong cultural ties and the spirit of togetherness in Kosovo.
The history of flija can be traced back centuries to the region's rural communities. It emerged as a practical and hearty meal for shepherds and villagers who needed a nourishing and filling dish to sustain them during their work in the fields or while tending to livestock.
The unique preparation of flija, with its layering of ingredients, slow cooking process, and communal involvement, reflects the deep-rooted traditions and strong sense of community in Kosovo. It's a dish that has been passed down through generations, often prepared during special occasions and gatherings, bringing families and friends together.
While flija's basic recipe has remained relatively unchanged over time, it has become a symbol of cultural identity and pride for the people of Kosovo.
It's a dish that showcases the simplicity of local ingredients and the creativity in its assembly. As Kosovo has experienced a complex history with various cultural influences, flija stands as a unifying dish that transcends differences and connects people through their shared heritage.
In recent years, efforts to preserve and celebrate traditional cuisine have led to a renewed interest in dishes like flija. Food festivals, cultural events, and even modern culinary adaptations have contributed to keeping this cherished dish alive and relevant in a changing world.
Overall, flija isn't just a culinary creation; it's a representation of Kosovo's history, culture, and the importance of communal traditions in bringing people together.
Kosovar Flija
Prep time 20 mins | Cook time 1 hour | Serves 3-4
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 cups plain yogurt (or a combination of yogurt and water)
1/2 cup melted butter
Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of salt.
Gradually add water while mixing to create a smooth batter. The batter should be thin, similar to a crepe batter consistency.
2. Prepare the Yogurt Mixture:
In another bowl, mix the yogurt (or a mixture of yogurt and water) with a pinch of salt.
3. Layering:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush a round oven-safe baking dish with melted butter to prevent sticking.
Pour a thin layer of the batter into the dish and spread it into a sun shape, similar to making a crepe. You should have a circle in the middle and then empty areas every 2 inches. Should look like a sun with rays. This will be your first layer.
4. Add Yogurt:
Spread a thin layer of the yogurt mixture over the cooked batter.
Repeat the process, alternating between layers of batter and yogurt until you have around 10 layers or more. Let each layer cook briefly before adding the next one. Basically, you put batter, into the oven, then yogurt, then more batter, back into the oven over and over again.
5. Baking:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 to 1.5 hours. The flija should be cooked through, and the top layer should become golden and crispy.
NOTE: This dish is normally done in a traditional charcoal cooking vessel called a Sac, which gets much hotter than a normal oven. The best way to cook this properly is to leave it in the oven until it gets crusty and then remove, or cook and then blast it with the broiler before taking out, so you can get that crusty, almost burnt pancake throughout.
6.Serving:
Carefully remove the flija from the oven, cut it into portions like a pie, and serve while still warm. You can serve it with honey, or more traditionally with pickled vegetables and fresh cheese.
Remember, cooking flija in the oven might yield slightly different results compared to the traditional sač method, but it's a convenient alternative that can still capture the essence of this delicious dish. Enjoy your oven-baked Kosovar flija!
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
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