Albanian Flija: Layers of Delight

Ingredients

• 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
• 6 cups (1.4L) water 6 cups (1.4L) water
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, melted 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups (470ml) plain yogurt 2 cups (470ml) plain yogurt
• Fresh herbs (parsley or dill), for garnish Fresh herbs (parsley or dill), for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 20g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 60g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, and salt. Whisk until a smooth batter is formed.
2. 2.
   Heat a circular metal plate or a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Grease it lightly with butter or oil.
3. 3.
   Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot plate and spread it evenly to form a thin pancake. Cook until the edges start to crisp and the surface is set. Flip and cook for a few more seconds. Repeat this process to make multiple pancakes.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Take one pancake and brush it with melted butter. Place another pancake on top and repeat the process until all the pancakes are stacked.
6. 6.
   Place the stack of pancakes in a baking dish and brush the top with melted butter.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the top becomes golden and crispy.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
9. 9.
   Cut the Flija into wedges and serve with a generous drizzle of melted butter and a dollop of yogurt.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Make sure to use all-purpose flour for the pancakes to achieve the desired texture. Avoid using self-rising flour or cake flour.
• Yogurt — Opt for plain yogurt without any added flavors or sweeteners. Greek yogurt works well too, as it provides a creamy and tangy taste.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve thin and even pancakes, use a ladle to pour the batter onto the hot plate and quickly swirl it around.
• Let the pancakes cool slightly before stacking them to prevent them from sticking together.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of salt to the batter.
• Experiment with different herbs for garnishing, such as mint or basil, to add your own twist to the dish.
• Flija is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven or on a stovetop for a few minutes.

Serving advice

Serve Flija as a main dish accompanied by a fresh salad or pickled vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a delightful appetizer or a side dish to complement a meat-based meal.

Presentation advice

When serving Flija, arrange the wedges on a platter, allowing the layers to be visible. Drizzle melted butter over the top and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.