The Authentic Albanian Fërgesë You Must Try

Fërgesë is a traditional staple dish originally from Albania. It’s a simple yet delicate dish you can eat at any time of the day. This spicy dish is protein-free, so it’s ideal for vegetarians.

Fërgesë is derived from the verb Fërgoj, which means to fry, hence the process of preparing this creamy dish.

In winter, locals usually add protein such as liver or beef. It’ll interest you that Albanians almost always include onions, olive oil, fresh herbs, good cheese, and fresh vegetables in their diet.

One unique thing about Fërgesë is it doesn’t include many ingredients. 

Let’s get started!

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How to Prepare Albanian Fërgesë 

Key Ingredients       

• Salt: an important ingredient that gives taste to the dish. 
• Chili Pepper: chilies are rich in Vitamin C and give a spicy feel.
• Sunflower oil: a vegetarian oil that gives life to your skin, boosts your energy and improves your heart health. Sunflower oil also includes vitamins E, A, C, D, and K. These antioxidants protect you from chronic health conditions. 
• Sugar, ½ tbsp: helps to reduce the acidity of fresh tomatoes.
• 1 big onion, cubed: onions are good for your heart and help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Onions also contribute to your gut health and promote the beneficial growth of bacteria to aid your digestion.
• 200 Cottage cheese: a serving of cottage cheese in your diet provides a balanced intake of nutrients that help in managing weight, blood sugar levels, and bone health.
• 1 red bell pepper, cut: Bell peppers protect your eyes from cataracts and reduce the risk of chronic health diseases. They contain significant sources of vitamins C, A, and fiber.
• 1 green bell pepper, cut. 
• 500g tomatoes, roughly blended: Tomatoes may be slightly acidic but have nutrients that fight against cancer and hypertension. They protect your heart and contain vitamin C that improves the skin’s health.

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Step-By-Step Guide to Prepare Fërgesë 

1. On high heat, pour 3 tablespoons of oil into a non-stick pan—Stir-fry the bell peppers, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Don’t worry about the high heat because the pepper likes the heat.
2. Continue to stir-fry until it’s slightly brownish, then reduce the fire. 
3. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to taste. Allow the bell pepper to simmer for a minute, then scoop them from the pot.
4. Stir fry the onions for two minutes, then pour the roughly blended tomatoes into the cooking pot. Add half a teaspoon of sugar. Adding a little sugar removes the acidity in the tomatoes and makes the Fërgesë taste nice.
5. Cover the pot with its lid and allow the tomatoes to boil for about 3 minutes until it thickens. Add the chili pepper, stir, and cover the pot to continue to boil. The chili peppers flavor the sauce and give it a spicy feel. 
6. Scoop in the cottage cheese. This should be greasy, as it’s the top ingredient for preparing Fërgesë. Mix the cottage cheese well with the tomatoes, and continue to stir until the fat comes on top. You’ll know it’s mixed well when you notice a curd mass with the tomatoes.
7. At this moment, add the stir-fried bell peppers to the Fërgesë.
8. Allow the Fërgesë to simmer for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
9. Serve and enjoy.

What Can You Eat Fërgesë With?

Fërgesë is a dish on its own; however, you can eat it with fresh bread. Your choice of bread depends on what you like, preferably wheat bread, baguette, brioche, ciabatta, or a bagel. You can also eat Fërgesë with homemade cornbread. 

You can also eat Fërgesë with other vegetables and grilled fish as part of a Mediterranean diet. 

Tips for Preparing Fërgesë 

• Onions give flavor to any dish. In Albanian cuisine, you can’t afford to cook without onions. Make sure you add one or more depending on serving options.
• If you love herbs, you can add basil and simmer for a minute before putting out the heat.
• You can also mix different colors of bell peppers for taste and aesthetics.
• You can use any healthy oil if you don’t have olive oil. 
• Exclude sugar if you don’t want to add it. You can also chop your tomatoes instead of roughly blending them. 

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Conclusion

You can prepare fërgesë within a few minutes at home. While it’s mostly a vegetarian dish, you can add the protein of your choice.

Remember, adding cottage cheese is a must. 

Happy cooking!