Mjalti Fërgesë

Mjalti Fërgesë is a traditional Albanian dish that celebrates the harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors. The name translates to "Honey Fërgesë," and it involves a delightful combination of mjalti and savory elements that create a comforting meal. Fërgesë itself is a well-loved Albanian specialty, often consisting of baked cheese, peppers, and tomatoes, but this variation adds a unique twist by incorporating honey to highlight the richness of the cheese and peppers.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 red peppers, diced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 200g of feta cheese, crumbled
• 100g of ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons of mjalti
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon of oregano
• 1 teaspoon of paprika

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

1. Start by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Dice the red peppers and chop the tomatoes. Measure out and crumble your feta cheese, and have your ricotta cheese and mjalti ready to go.

Step 2: Cooking the Peppers and Onions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until it releases its aroma.
3. Stir in the red peppers and cook until they start to soften.

Step 3: Adding the Tomatoes

1. Once the red peppers are soft, add the tomatoes to the skillet. Continue to cook until the tomatoes have broken down into a sauce.
2. Season the mixture with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Incorporating Cheese

1. Lower the heat and gently fold in the feta cheese and ricotta cheese. Allow the cheese to melt and amalgamate with the other ingredients.

Step 5: Adding the Honey

1. Once the cheeses are fully incorporated, drizzle the mjalti over the skillet, stirring gently to combine the sweet and savory elements seamlessly.

Step 6: Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the skillet contents to an oven-safe dish and bake for about 15 minutes.
2. Use a cooking timer to keep track of the time and avoid overbaking.

Enjoying Your Mjalti Fërgesë

Once baked, allow the Mjalti Fërgesë to cool slightly before serving. This dish is traditionally enjoyed with warm crusty bread or pita, perfect for scooping up the delicious mixture. Pair it with a light salad for a balanced meal, or enjoy it on its own as a delightful appetizer or side dish. The subtle sweetness of the mjalti complements the savory notes beautifully, creating a memorable dining experience. For an authentic touch, serve with a glass of Albanian white wine or a traditional rakia.