Speca me Gjizë
Speca me Gjizë, translating to 'Peppers with Gjizë,' is a traditional Albanian dish featuring bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture. Gjizë is a unique Albanian cheese, similar in texture to ricotta but drier and crumblier, made from strained yogurt or low-fat milk. This dish captures the warmth of Albanian hospitality and is often served during festive occasions and family gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 large Bell peppers(mixed colors (red, yellow, green))
- 200 g Feta cheese(crumbled)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
💡 Tip: Ensure oven is fully preheated before placing the dish inside. - 2
Wash the bell peppers. Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes, creating a hollow cavity in each half.
💡 Tip: Leave the tops of the peppers intact if you prefer them for decoration. - 3
In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, and minced garlic. Mix well until a smooth and creamy consistency is achieved.
- 4
Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 5
Spoon the feta and yogurt mixture into each bell pepper half, distributing it evenly.
💡 Tip: Do not overfill the peppers. - 6
Place the stuffed bell peppers on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed peppers.
💡 Tip: Ensure peppers are arranged in a single layer for even baking. - 7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling develops a golden brown crust.
💡 Tip: Baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the peppers. - 8
Once done, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
💡 Tip: Let them cool slightly before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If you cannot find 'Gjizë', a mixture of feta cheese and Greek yogurt provides a similar flavor profile.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the filling.
- ✓Speca me Gjizë pairs well with crusty bread or can be enjoyed as a side dish.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a touch of heat.
- Incorporate finely chopped fresh mint or dill into the filling for added freshness.
- Some recipes include a small amount of cooked rice in the filling for a heartier dish.