Fërgesë Tiranë
A rich and flavorful baked dish from Tirana, Albania, traditionally made with peppers, tomatoes, cottage cheese (gjizë), and sometimes liver. It's a comforting and hearty staple.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Red bell peppers(roasted, peeled, and chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or finely chopped)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 300 g Cottage cheese (Gjizë)(or ricotta if gjizë is unavailable)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 200 g Optional: Lamb or beef liver(cleaned and cut into small pieces)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using liver, sauté it in 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- 2
Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until softened and translucent.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chopped roasted peppers, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Add the cottage cheese (gjizë) and stir gently to combine. If using liver, return it to the skillet.
- 6
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the sauce is bubbly.
💡 Tip: Ensure the baking dish is oven-safe. - 7
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Roasting the peppers beforehand adds a depth of flavor. You can roast them under a broiler or on an open flame.
- ✓Gjizë is a traditional Albanian cottage cheese with a slightly tangy flavor. If unavailable, a good quality ricotta can be substituted, though the taste will differ slightly.
- ✓Fërgesë is often served as a main dish or as a side, especially with grilled meats.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
- Some variations include a small amount of minced meat (beef or lamb) along with the liver.