Albanian Fërgesë Tirane with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 32g (Saturated Fat: 16g)
• Carbohydrates: 9g (Sugar: 5g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. 5.
   Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef to the other side. Cook the beef until it is browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Season the mixture with paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
7. 7.
   Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. 8.
   Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese until it melts and blends into the sauce.
9. 9.
   Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
• Feta cheese — Opt for high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use a combination of feta and mozzarella cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish.
• Serve the Fërgesë Tirane with a side of crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally satisfying meal.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, to the mix.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or blue cheese, for a unique twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Fërgesë Tirane hot, straight from the oven, as the cheese will be gooey and the flavors at their peak. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Present the Fërgesë Tirane in individual serving dishes or in a large baking dish for family-style dining. The golden-brown top and creamy interior will entice your guests.