Best Albanian Meat Pie Recipes

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ALBANIAN MEAT PIE



Albanian Meat Pie image

Nothing fills you up more then one of Albania's most tasty and comforting classic dishes. This flaky pastry pie is stuffed full of mince, onion and potatoes with a warming hint of paprika.

Provided by My Albanian Food

Categories     Savory Pies

Time 1h20m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 homemade discs phyllo pastry or 12 -16 sheets of premade phyllo pastry
750 g beef mince
1 diced onion
2 finely diced potatoes
3 tablespoons tomato puree
1/2 pint beef stock
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
olive oil
220 ml water

Steps:

  • In a saucepan add the olive oil and fry the onions for 2 minutes before adding the mince and browning.
  • Add the tomotoe puree, salt, pepper, paprika, potatoes and beef stock. Bring to the boil, leave to simmer for 10 minutes/ When the mixture has thickered and water boiled away turn off the heat and leave to cool for 10 minutes.
  • If using homemade pastry, place a filo pastry disc in a large baking tray and add filling on top the add the second disc on top and seal the edges by tucking them down.
  • For premade pastry, layer sheets of filo pastry on top of each other brushing a layer of olive oil after each one before the next one is place down. Once 6/8 sheet are laid add the filling on top. Repeat the layering until a further 6/8 sheets are on top of the filling - olive oil brushed on each one.
  • Put a thin layer of oil over the top.
  • Bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 1 hour or until golden brown.
  • Once removed from the oven, pour half a cup of water over the top and half a cup of water around the edges. Cover the meat byrek with two tea towels and leave to stand for 1 hour before serving. You can skip this step if you prefer a crisper pie.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 243.2, Fat 13.6, SaturatedFat 5.1, Cholesterol 44.4, Sodium 298, Carbohydrate 16.4, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 0.9, Protein 13.1

ALBANIAN SPINACH PIE (BYREK ME SPINAQ OR PITE)



Albanian Spinach Pie (Byrek Me Spinaq or Pite) image

Albanians love savory pies and I do too. They make theirs with filo dough. Any combination of greens can be used in this recipe. You can even add other vegetables as well, such as mushrooms. If the additional vegetables used will be watery, towards the end of baking you might want to cut steam vents in the filo dough. Albanians eat this pie hot accompanied by buttermilk or beaten yogurt thinned down with cold water, or with chilled stewed prunes.

Provided by alvinakatz

Categories     Savory Pies

Time 1h

Yield 1 pie, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

3/4 cup oil, preferably olive oil
30 sheets phyllo dough
1 1/2 lbs spinach, chopped
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • (NOTE: A round cake or pie pan is recommended because it's more authentic but any similar sized pan will do).
  • Brush the pan with some of the oil, and start laying the filo 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 laid. Make sure that they cover the pan by hanging them about one inch over the edges of the pan. Change directions, so that the entire pan is evenly covered.
  • Sprinkle spinach with salt, then mix well by hand. Let sit for a minute.
  • Add the feta cheese, onions, eggs and stir.
  • Spread spinach mixture over the filo leaves in the pan.
  • 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 (think of a pizza crust), sprinkle top with oil.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve hot.

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

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Albanian cuisine is one of the most underrated in Europe. Its culinary delights and traditional recipes have a unique blend of flavors and aromas that are sure to tickle anyone's taste buds. Among these recipes is the Albanian meat pie, a traditional dish that is easy to make and delicious to eat.

History

The Albanian meat pie has a long and rich history. It is believed to have originated from the Ottoman Empire, where meat pies were a popular dish among the aristocracy. Over time, the dish made its way to Albania, where it became a staple meal for families and during celebrations.

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make Albanian meat pie vary depending on the family recipe. However, some of the most common ingredients include:
1. Ground meat
The meat used to make the pie can be beef, lamb, or a mixture of both. The meat is cooked with onions, garlic, and other spices to add flavor.
2. Phyllo dough
The phyllo dough is used to make the crust of the pie. It is made of flour, water, and salt and is rolled out thin.
3. Eggs
Eggs are used to bind the meat mixture together and give it a rich and creamy texture.
4. Yogurt
Yogurt is used to make the filling creamy and add an extra layer of flavor.

Preparation

Making Albanian meat pie is a labor of love. It requires time, patience, and attention to detail. Here are some of the steps involved in making the dish:
1. Prepare the meat filling
The first step is to prepare the meat filling. This involves cooking the ground meat with onions, garlic, and other spices until it is well browned. Once the meat is cooked, set it aside to cool.
2. Prepare the crust
To prepare the crust, roll out the phyllo dough on a clean surface. Cut the dough into circles or squares, depending on the shape of the pie you want to make.
3. Layer the crust and filling
Once the dough is cut, brush each piece with a mixture of eggs and yogurt. Layer the dough and the meat filling in a baking dish until all of the ingredients are used up.
4. Bake the pie
Bake the pie in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is well cooked. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool before slicing and serving.

Variations

There are different variations of Albanian meat pie recipes, and each family has their own unique twist. Here are some popular variations:
1. Byrek me mish
Byrek me mish is the traditional meat pie recipe in Albania. It is made with a mixture of ground beef and lamb and is flavored with fenugreek and cumin.
2. Byrek me veze
Byrek me veze is a variation where eggs are used as the primary ingredient instead of meat. The eggs are whisked with yogurt and spices and are poured over the layers of phyllo dough.
3. Byrek me spinaq
Byrek me spinaq is a meatless variation that uses spinach as the main ingredient. The spinach is cooked with onions and garlic before being layered between the phyllo dough.

Conclusion

Albanian meat pie is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer meat or vegetables, there is a variation of Albanian meat pie that is sure to satisfy your appetite. So, the next time you are looking for a new recipe to try, consider making Albanian meat pie. Your taste buds will thank you.

Valuable Tips for Making Albanian Meat Pie Recipes

Albanian cuisine is famous for its rich and delicious meat pies that are made using traditional methods and ingredients. The Albanian meat pie is a beloved dish that has been passed down through generations and is a staple in many Albanian households. The following tips will help you get started on making the perfect Albanian meat pie recipe.
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
To make a delicious Albanian meat pie, it is essential to use fresh ingredients. Choose high-quality beef or lamb meat, fresh onions, and garlic for the filling. Using fresh ingredients will guarantee a bold and flavorful taste in every bite.
2. Make Your Own Filo Dough
Filo dough is a crucial ingredient that sets Albanian meat pies apart from other meat pies. Using store-bought filo dough won't give you the same taste as homemade filo dough that is made with flour, water, and oil. Making your own filo dough is more time-consuming, but it will enhance the flavor and texture of your meat pie.
3. Opt for a Deep-Dish Pie
Albanian meat pies are traditionally made in deep-dish pans, allowing for more layers of filo dough and filling. Opting for a deep-dish pie will ensure that your meat pie has more depth and allows the layers of meat and filo dough to cook evenly.
4. Add Spices for Flavor
Albanian meat pies have a rich and bold flavor that is enhanced by the spices used in the cooking process. Add spices, such as paprika, cumin, or oregano, to your filling to give your meat pie an extra layer of flavor.
5. Add Vegetables for Texture and Flavor
Incorporating vegetables, such as spinach or tomatoes, into your filling can add texture and flavor to your Albanian meat pie. Choose vegetables that complement the meat and spices to achieve a harmonious balance of flavors.
6. Brush Filo Dough with Butter or Olive Oil
To give your Albanian meat pie a crispy and golden-brown crust, it is essential to brush each layer of filo dough with butter or olive oil. Brushing the filo dough with oil or butter also adds a layer of flavor to your pie.
7. Let Meat Pie Rest Before Serving
Allow your Albanian meat pie to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to settle, and the filo dough to cool, ensuring a neat and uniform slice.
8. Serve Meat Pie with Traditional Sides
Albanian meat pie is typically served with traditional sides, such as a fresh green salad, olives, and feta cheese. These sides complement the flavors in the meat pie and provide a well-rounded meal.
9. Store Leftovers Properly
If you have leftovers, store your Albanian meat pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven to ensure that the filo dough stays crispy.
10. Experiment with Different Fillings
While the traditional Albanian meat pie recipe calls for meat, onions, and spices, you can experiment with different fillings to create a unique flavor profile. Try using chicken or mushrooms as the main ingredient to switch things up.

Conclusion

Making Albanian meat pie from scratch may take some time and effort, but the result is worth it, and you will have a delicious, traditional Albanian dish that you can be proud of. By using fresh ingredients, homemade filo dough, and adding spices and vegetables, you can achieve a perfectly balanced and delicious meat pie that will keep your family and friends coming back for more. Don't be afraid to experiment with different fillings and add your twist to this classic recipe.

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