Fërgesë me Melçi
Fërgesë me Melçi is a hearty and flavorful Albanian-inspired dish popular in Kosovo, featuring tender liver sautéed with bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, often enriched with soft cheese. It's typically baked and served hot, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Beef or veal liver(cleaned and cut into small cubes)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3-4 Bell peppers(preferably red and green, sliced)
- 2 Ripe tomatoes(peeled and chopped, or 1 cup tomato sauce)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 200 g Cottage cheese or ricotta(or Albanian gjizë, if available)
- 1 tsp Paprika
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the liver and remove any membranes or veins. Cut it into small cubes. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a frying pan. Add the liver cubes and fry for 4-5 minutes until browned, being careful not to overcook. Set aside.
- 2
In the same pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the peppers soften.
- 4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or tomato sauce), paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- 5
Add the cottage cheese (or ricotta/gjizë) and stir until well combined and the cheese is slightly melted.
- 6
Return the browned liver to the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables and cheese mixture. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- 7
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
💡 Tip: Traditionally, this dish is baked in clay dishes. - 8
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
💡 Tip: Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can use chicken liver as a substitute for beef or veal liver, though the flavor will be milder.
- ✓If Albanian gjizë is unavailable, a good quality ricotta or a mix of cottage cheese and feta can be used.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili flakes or hot peppers to your spice preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- A vegetable-only version, known as Fergesë e Tiranës me Piperka, can be made by omitting the liver.