Best Albanian Courgette Pie Recipes

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ALBANIAN VEGETABLE PIE



Albanian Vegetable Pie image

Albanian pies are made of thin pastry leaves which can be rolled out at home or bought as filo dough. They tend to be on the salty side rather than sweet so if you like onit the salt.

Provided by annconnolly

Categories     Spinach

Time 45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup oil, preferably olive oil
30 pastry dough, leaves (Filo dough)
1 1/2 lbs spinach, chopped
1 cup diced feta cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onion
2 -3 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Steps:

  • Use a medium-sized round baking pan.
  • Brush the baking pan with some of the oil.
  • Start laying the pastry leaves inside.
  • First, lay two leaves, sprinkle or brush with oil, then lay two other leaves, and repeat the procedure until half of the leaves are used.
  • Make sure that they overlap the edges of the pan by about 1 inch.
  • Sprinkle spinach with salt (optional), and mix well by hand.
  • Add the feta cheese, oil, onions, eggs and salt (optional)
  • Spread the mixture over the already laid pastry leaves.
  • Cover the spinach with the rest of the pastry leaves repeating the first-half procedure.
  • Roll the hanging edges of the bottom leaves over the pie (like a pizza crust).
  • Sprinkle top with oil
  • Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Serve hot, accompanied with buttermilk, or beaten yogurt, thinned down in cold water or with chilled stewed prunes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 7484.7, Fat 513.8, SaturatedFat 126.3, Cholesterol 139.1, Sodium 8475.3, Carbohydrate 624.3, Fiber 53.5, Sugar 4.9, Protein 96.5

ALBANIA: BYREK OSE LAKROR (LEEK PIE)



Albania: Byrek Ose Lakror (Leek Pie) image

This recipe is from week four of my food blog, "Travel by Stove." I am attempting to cook one meal from every country on Earth, and Albania is my fourth stop. This pie is really tasty and very different from American savory pies. To speed things up, you can use phyllo dough or puff pastry in place of the scratch-made dough.

Provided by GiddyUpGo

Categories     Vegetable

Time 55m

Yield 1 pie, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

5 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cups lukewarm water
1/2 lb butter or 1/2 lb melted margarine
2 small leeks
1 lb cottage cheese
2 ounces feta cheese
3 eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup yogurt
1 teaspoon melted butter

Steps:

  • Mix the flour, salt and water together and knead for five minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes, then divide in half. Roll out one half until thin and then butter. fold the sides toward the center, then butter again. Fold the dough in half lengthwise, then butter again. Keep going until you have a five-inch square. Then butter the top and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Repeat with second ball of dough.
  • Grease a standard sized pie-pan. After 15 minutes in the fridge, bring the dough out and roll it until it is the size of a pie the pan. Lay it on the bottom, leaving about a half inch hanging over the edges. Now you are ready to make the filling.
  • Wash and thinly slice the leeks (white and light green parts only). Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese, feta cheese, eggs, salt, yogurt and melted butter. Then add the leeks and mix until everything is well incorporated.
  • Pour the filling into the prepared pie plate. Roll out the other piece of dough and top the pie with it. Crimp the edges or just roll the top up with the dough on the bottom. Brush with butter.
  • Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes, or until top of pie is golden.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 612.7, Fat 30.4, SaturatedFat 17.9, Cholesterol 149.4, Sodium 1044.6, Carbohydrate 65.5, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 3.4, Protein 18.7

ALBANIAN COURGETTE PIE



Albanian Courgette Pie image

LAKROR ME KUNGULL: The pumpkin (Kungull) family is a large family and have many vegetables included into it. We have two main ones that we make into pies in our village - this recipe is for Kungull i vogel Lakror which translates to a courgette pie. Then, more common in the summer is Kungull i madh Lakror which is Squash or Pumpkin pie. The Lakror me Kungull recipes have different names and can be made in two different ways. If you make the recipe with eggs and flour like this recipe then it is known as a Lakror. If you make the recipe with filo pastry (like my spinach pie recipe) then it is known as a Pite (or in some cases even byrek). The 'i vogel' and 'e madh' refer to a small or large pumpkin vegetable - courgette vs squash for example. Well, hopefully all this pie talk has got your ready for my recipe!

Provided by My Albanian Food

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 50m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

6 grated courgettes
2 eggs
300 g flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

  • In a mixing bowl mix together the grated courgettes, sugar, eggs and baking soda. Add the flour and continue to mix, you are looking for a thick sticky mixture.
  • In a large round baking tray (about 2 inches deep) rub some olive oil over the base and edges.
  • Scoop the mixture onto the tray and spread out evenly, then pour a small amount of olive oil onto you hand and rub it in circles gently over the top of the mixture. This should flatten it and leave it with a slightly shiny glossing.
  • Bake in the oven for 40 minutes on 180 degrees - the top should be a golden brown once cooked.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 283.4, Fat 5, SaturatedFat 1.1, Cholesterol 62, Sodium 92.9, Carbohydrate 50.7, Fiber 3.3, Sugar 11.4, Protein 9.6

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Albanian Courgette Pie Recipes: A Delicious and Nutritious Dish

Albanian cuisine is a combination of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, resulting in healthy and delicious dishes such as the Albanian courgette pie. This savory pie is a staple in Albanian households, especially during the summer when courgettes (zucchinis) are abundant. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, preparation, and nutritional benefits of Albanian courgette pie recipes.
Ingredients
The main ingredients of Albanian courgette pie recipes are courgettes, feta cheese, eggs, and phyllo pastry. Other ingredients can be added to enhance the flavor, such as onions, garlic, olive oil, and dill. The courgettes are sliced thinly or grated and mixed with crumbled feta cheese, beaten eggs, chopped onions and garlic, and chopped dill. The mixture is then layered on phyllo pastry, which is brushed with olive oil to give it a golden brown crust.
Preparation
The preparation of Albanian courgette pie can vary depending on the recipe. Some recipes require the courgettes to be cooked before being mixed with the other ingredients, while others call for the mixture to be used raw. The phyllo pastry can be bought pre-made or made from scratch at home. If making the pastry from scratch, it is important to use a rolling pin to ensure an even thickness. The pie is then baked in the oven at a moderate temperature until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
Nutritional Benefits
Albanian courgette pie is not just a delicious and filling dish; it is also packed with essential nutrients. Courgettes are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent ingredient for weight management. They are also a good source of vitamins A and C, which are important for healthy skin and immune function. Feta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and muscles. The eggs in the pie provide additional protein, and the phyllo pastry is a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
Variations
There are many variations of Albanian courgette pie recipes, depending on the region and individual preferences. Some recipes call for the addition of meat, such as ground beef or lamb, while others are vegetarian. Some recipes use different types of cheese, such as ricotta or goat cheese, instead of feta. The pie can also be flavored differently, such as with mint, parsley, or basil.
Serving Suggestions
Albanian courgette pie can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile dish for any meal. It can be served as a main dish with a side salad, or as an appetizer or snack. It is also a popular dish for picnics and potlucks. To enhance the flavor, the pie can be served with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt on top.
Conclusion
Albanian courgette pie is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you follow a traditional recipe or add your own twist, this savory pie is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its combination of courgettes, feta cheese, eggs, and phyllo pastry, Albanian courgette pie is a tasty way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet.
Albanian cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines with some influences from Turkish and Italian cuisines. Courgette pie, also known as qofte të mbushura me kungull in Albanian, is a popular dish in Albanian households. It is a savory pie filled with courgette, cheese, onions, and herbs. The pie can be served as a side dish or a main course. Every Albanian family has a unique recipe for courgette pie, but there are some valuable tips that can help you make the perfect Albanian courgette pie.

Tips for making Albanian Courgette Pie

1. Choosing the right courgettes
Choosing the right courgettes is crucial for making a delicious courgette pie. It is essential to choose fresh, firm, and small courgettes. Large courgettes tend to have more seeds, which can make the pie watery. Small courgettes are sweeter and have a better flavor. If you have any large courgettes, remove the seeds before grating them.
2. Grating and salting the courgettes
Grating the courgettes is the most time-consuming part of making courgette pie. It is important to grate the courgettes using a coarse grater. Once the courgettes are grated, sprinkle them with salt and leave them to rest for 10 minutes. Salting the courgettes helps to remove excess water, making the pie less watery. After 10 minutes, squeeze out the excess water from the courgettes using a clean cloth or paper towel.
3. Choosing the right cheese
Cheese is an essential ingredient in Albanian courgette pie. The most commonly used cheese is feta cheese. Feta cheese is a salty and tangy cheese that pairs well with the sweetness of the courgettes. You can also use other cheese, such as goat cheese or ricotta cheese, but make sure they are not too watery.
4. Adding onions and herbs
Onions and herbs are essential ingredients that give flavor and aroma to the courgette pie. You can use any type of onion, such as red onion, white onion, or spring onion. Chop the onions finely and sauté them in olive oil until they are soft and translucent. Herbs such as parsley, dill, and mint are commonly used in Albanian cuisine. Chop the herbs finely and add them to the courgette mixture.
5. Using phyllo pastry
Phyllo pastry is a thin and crispy pastry that is perfect for making pie crusts. You can buy pre-made phyllo pastry or make it from scratch. Layer the phyllo pastry sheets in a circular or rectangular baking dish, brushing each layer with melted butter or olive oil. Make sure to leave some pastry hanging over the edges of the dish to fold over the filling.
6. Combining the filling ingredients
Combine the grated courgettes, sautéed onions, chopped herbs, and crumbled cheese in a mixing bowl. Add some beaten eggs and mix everything together. The eggs help to bind the ingredients together and give the pie a creamy texture. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Preparing the pie for baking
Spoon the courgette mixture into the phyllo pastry-lined baking dish. Fold the excess pastry over the filling, brushing each layer with melted butter or olive oil. Make sure to brush the top layer of pastry generously with butter or oil to make it golden and crispy. Cut a few slits on the top of the pastry to allow the steam to escape during baking.
8. Baking the pie
Bake the courgette pie in a preheated oven at 180°C for 45-50 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crispy. Let the pie cool down for a few minutes before slicing it into pieces. Serve the pie warm or at room temperature.
9. Adding a personal touch
Albanian courgette pie is a versatile dish that can be customized according to your taste. You can add different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to make the pie more cheesy. You can also add some cooked minced meat, such as beef or lamb, to the filling to make it more filling. You can experiment with different herbs and spices to make the pie more flavorful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Albanian courgette pie is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. By following these valuable tips, you can make the perfect courgette pie that your family and friends will love. Remember to choose the right courgettes, cheese, onions, and herbs, and to use phyllo pastry for a crispy crust. Don't be afraid to add your personal touch and experiment with different ingredients. Happy cooking!

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