Lunches
Fërgesë (Peppers, Tomato and Cottage Cheese Skillet) (Fërgesë)
Ingredients
- - Green bell peppers, sliced — 400g (3 medium)
- - Tomatoes, chopped — 300g (2 cups)
- - Cottage cheese or curd cheese — 300g (1 1/4 cups)
- - Vegetable oil — 45ml (3 tbsp)
- - Garlic, sliced — 10g (2 cloves)
- - Salt — 5g (1 tsp)
- - Black pepper — 1g (1/4 tsp)
Method
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet and sauté the peppers until softened, about 10 minutes.
- Add garlic and tomatoes and cook for a further 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper, then fold in the cottage cheese, leaving some texture rather than mixing completely smooth.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden on top.
- Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Introduction: A rustic skillet of roasted peppers and tomatoes folded through soft cottage cheese, baked until bubbling and lightly golden.
Cultural Background: Fërgesë is a beloved central Albanian dish, closely tied to Tirana’s home cooking, traditionally made with the ripest late-summer peppers and tomatoes.
Tips: Don’t overmix the cheese into the vegetables — a marbled texture is traditional. Use very ripe tomatoes for the best natural sweetness.
Variations: Add cooked, shredded chicken for a heartier lunch. Use roasted red peppers for a smokier flavour.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Naturally vegetarian; not easily adapted to vegan given the central role of the cheese.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread for scooping, and a simple salad on the side.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, or in a covered pan on the stovetop.
Nutrition: 250 kcal | Protein 11g | Carbs 14g | Fat 17g
FAQs:
Q: Can this be made ahead? A: Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. Q: What’s a good substitute for cottage cheese? A: Ricotta works well, though it will yield a slightly smoother, less curdy texture.
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