Best Albanian Vegetable 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

BYREK SHQIPëTAR ME PERIME (ALBANIAN VEGETABLE PIE)



Byrek Shqipëtar Me Perime (Albanian Vegetable Pie) image

This recipe is from http://gadgets360.wordpress.com/2006/01/08/2/ Wikipedia says that Byrek Shqipëtar me perime is one of the national dishes of Albania Byrek Shqipëtar me perime is an Albanian recipe for cooking pies. Albanian pies are generally made of thin pastry leaves which can be rolled out at home or bought as filo dough at a supermarket. Most of the pies prepared by Albanian cooks are not sweet; instead, pie fillings are almost always salty. Thus, a piece of such a pie may well serve as the main dish of a meal.

Provided by loranne_bronze22

Categories     Savory Pies

Time 1h30m

Yield 1 pie, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup olive oil
30 phyllo pastry sheets
1 1/2 lbs spinach, chopped
1 cup feta cheese, diced
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
2 -3 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Steps:

  • A medium-sized, round baking pan is recommended because it's more authentic but any medium-sized baking pan will do.
  • Brush the baking pan with some of the oil, and 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 laid. Make sure that they cover the pan by hanging them about one inch over the edges of the pan.
  • Sprinkle spinach with salt, then mix well by hand. Add the feta cheese, oil, onions, eggs and salt, and spread this mixture over the already laid pastry leaves. Finish by covering the spinach with the rest of the pastry leaves repeating the first-half procedure and then roll the hanging edges of the bottom leaves over the pie (think of a pizza crust), sprinkle top with oil and bake moderately at 350°F (175°C) 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. Sometimes a green salad adds to the meal!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1082.4, Fat 73.7, SaturatedFat 16, Cholesterol 139.1, Sodium 2151.5, Carbohydrate 83.8, Fiber 6.8, Sugar 3, Protein 23.7

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.

What is Albanian Vegetable Pie recipes?

Albanian cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, with an inclination towards using fresh vegetables and savory herbs. Albanian cuisine is known for its rich, hearty and healthy dishes, and one such dish that reflects the essence of Albanian cuisine is Vegetable pie. Albanian Vegetable pie, also known as Byrek me perime, is a traditional Albanian dish that is commonly served as a main course or as a side dish. Vegetable pie is made by layering filo pastry sheets and filling the layers with a mixture of fresh and flavorful vegetables like spinach, eggplant, zucchini, green peppers, onions, and tomatoes, along with various cheeses like feta cheese, ricotta cheese, or cottage cheese.
The Origin of Albanian Vegetable Pie:
The origin of Albanian Vegetable pie can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, when the Balkan region was under the rule of the Ottoman Turks. The Ottomans introduced various dishes to the Balkans, and vegetable pie was one such dish that became popular in the region. The dish was adapted and modified by the Albanians to suit their taste, resulting in the creation of the Byrek me perime.
The cooking process:
The process of making Albanian Vegetable Pie is quite simple, but it requires some expertise to get the perfect taste and texture. Firstly, the vegetables are washed and chopped into small pieces. Then, they are cooked in a pan along with some olive oil, until they become soft and tender. The vegetables are seasoned with salt, black pepper, and various herbs like thyme, oregano, and mint to enhance the flavors. The filo pastry sheets are then brushed with melted butter or oil, and laid one on top of the other. The vegetable filling is then spread over the layers of filo pastry, followed by a layer of cheese. The process is repeated until all the ingredients are used up. Finally, the pie is baked in the oven until it turns golden brown and crispy on the outside.
The variations of Albanian Vegetable Pie:
Like most traditional dishes, there are many variations of Albanian Vegetable Pie, each with its unique taste and flavor. One such variant is Flija, which is a thicker and heavier version of Byrek me perime. Flija is made by layering thin sheets of cornmeal batter, along with the vegetable filling and cheese. It is then cooked over an open fire until it is fully cooked and crispy. Another variant is Byrek me spinaq, which is made using spinach instead of the mixed vegetables. Byrek me spinaq is a popular breakfast dish in Albania and is served with a glass of yogurt or buttermilk. Byrek me kungull is another variant, which is made using pumpkin instead of the mixed vegetables. The pumpkin is cooked with onions, herbs, and spices, and then baked along with the filo pastry and cheese.
Nutritional Value:
Albanian Vegetable Pie is a healthy and nutritious dish, as it contains a good amount of vegetables and cheese, which are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and protein. The dish is also low in fat, if prepared with a minimal amount of oil or butter. In conclusion, Albanian Vegetable Pie or Byrek me perime is a delicious and hearty dish, which reflects the essence of Albanian cuisine. The dish is simple and easy to make, and can be adapted to suit individual taste preferences. Whether it is enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, it is a dish that is sure to satisfy the taste buds and leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Albanian Vegetable Pie Recipes: Tips for Making Delicious and Healthy Pies When it comes to Albanian cuisine, the Albanian vegetable pie (Byrek me perime) is one of the most popular and delicious dishes. Made of phyllo pastry and filled with a variety of vegetables, this dish is not only tasty but also healthy. The following tips will guide you through the process of making an authentic and mouth-watering Albanian vegetable pie. 1. Go for fresh and seasonal vegetables The key to making a flavorful and nutritious Albanian vegetable pie is to use fresh and seasonal vegetables. Be sure to choose vegetables that are in season and grown locally, as they are likely to be more flavorful and packed with nutrients. You can use a variety of vegetables such as spinach, leeks, onions, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and zucchinis, depending on your taste preferences. 2. Prepare the phyllo pastry well in advance Phyllo pastry is a crucial component of any Albanian vegetable pie recipe. Make sure you have enough phyllo pastry sheets to wrap the pie, and prepare the phyllo pastry sheets a day before you plan to make the pie. This will allow the phyllo pastry sheets to dry and become more manageable. Be sure to keep the phyllo pastry sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. 3. Use a quality olive oil Olive oil is a staple in Albanian cuisine and plays a big role in the flavor of an Albanian vegetable pie. Select a quality extra-virgin olive oil to add flavor and richness to your pie. You can use olive oil in the filling as well as in brushing the phyllo pastry layers. 4. Add herbs and spices for extra flavor Albanian cuisine is known for its use of flavorful herbs and spices. Adding fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, and mint can enhance the flavor of your Albanian vegetable pie. You can also add spices like paprika, cumin, and black pepper to give your pie an extra kick. 5. Layer the vegetables and phyllo pastry sheets well Layering the phyllo pastry sheets and vegetables is crucial to making a beautiful and appealing-looking Albanian vegetable pie. Start by brushing the bottom of the baking dish with olive oil and layer a few phyllo pastry sheets, then add a layer of the vegetable filling. Repeat this process until you have used up all of the filling and phyllo pastry sheets. Be sure to brush the top layer of the pie with olive oil to give it a golden-brown color when baked. 6. Bake at the right temperature and for the right duration The baking temperature and duration are crucial to achieving a perfect Albanian vegetable pie. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake your pie for around 30 to 40 minutes, or until it is golden-brown in color. Be sure to let the pie cool down before serving. 7. Serve with yogurt or sour cream An Albanian vegetable pie is traditionally served with yogurt or sour cream. The tangy flavor of yogurt or sour cream pairs well with the rich and savory flavor of the pie. You can garnish the pie with fresh herbs or spices to add a pop of color and more flavor. In conclusion, an Albanian vegetable pie is a delicious and healthy dish that can be easily made with fresh and seasonal vegetables and quality phyllo pastry. Follow these tips to make a perfect and mouth-watering Albanian vegetable pie that will impress your family and friends.

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