
Fërgesë Tirane
Traditional dish with peppers, tomatoes and cottage cheese.
Ingredients
- •Peppers
- •Tomatoes
- •Cottage cheese
- •Eggs
- •Garlic
- •Olive oil
- •Salt
- •Pepper
Instructions
Prep vegetables
Chop peppers and tomatoes (10 mins)
Cook vegetables
Sauté peppers and tomatoes until soft (20 mins)
Add cheese
Mix in cottage cheese and eggs (10 mins)
Finish cooking
Simmer until thickened (20 mins)
Fërgesë Tirane is a beloved traditional Albanian dish that originated in the country's capital city of Tirana. This rich, creamy dish features a delightful combination of roasted peppers, ripe tomatoes, and cottage cheese, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
The dish has humble origins in Albanian home cooking, where it was traditionally prepared as a hearty vegetarian option using locally available ingredients. Over time, it has become a staple of Albanian cuisine, particularly popular during summer when peppers and tomatoes are at their peak.
Making Fërgesë Tirane is relatively straightforward but requires attention to detail. The process begins by sautéing peppers and tomatoes until they become soft and develop a rich flavor. The cottage cheese is then added along with beaten eggs, creating a creamy consistency. Garlic adds an essential aromatic element, while olive oil brings everything together into a cohesive dish.
While the traditional recipe remains popular, modern variations might include different types of cheese, such as feta or gjizë (Albanian curd cheese). Some cooks add a touch of heat with chili peppers, while others might include additional vegetables like eggplant or zucchini.
In Albania, Fërgesë Tirane is typically served as a main dish, accompanied by fresh bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. It's often enjoyed at room temperature, making it perfect for both summer meals and festive gatherings. You'll find it served in homes and traditional restaurants throughout Tirana and beyond.
From a nutritional perspective, this dish is relatively healthy, providing a good balance of proteins from the cheese and eggs, and vitamins from the vegetables. One serving contains approximately 250-300 calories. It's naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly, though those watching their sodium intake should note that the cheese can make it quite salty. The dish is also rich in calcium and vitamin C from the peppers and tomatoes.