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Vegetarian, European

Albanian fërgesë with bread

Fërgesë is an Albanian dish of peppers and tomatoes simmered down and baked with fresh cheese and feta. It serves 4, takes 50 minutes, is easy to make, and costs about €1.90 per person. The key to success is letting the vegetables simmer a long time before adding the cheese.

Tonight I'm making you fërgesë, this Albanian dish of peppers and tomatoes simmered down and baked with fresh cheese.

Albanian fërgesë with bread
Total time
50 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€1.90
Calories per person
660 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Summer, Fall
The kids
They generally like it

Fërgesë turns simple peppers and tomatoes into something richer than you'd expect. The vegetables simmer for a long time until they're almost jammy, then get mixed with fresh cheese and feta that melts gently in the oven. The result is a thick, slightly tangy sauce, softened by the cheese, perfect for scooping up with crusty bread.

It's a great meatless weeknight dinner, but it also works for a slightly different Sunday meal. Kids usually like the soft texture and mild taste of the fresh cheese, while the feta gives it enough character for adults. Served in individual baking dishes, it's also a relaxed dish to bring straight to the table for guests.

The ingredients

4 people

Fruits and vegetables

  • Red bell peppers 4
  • Ripe tomatoes 500 g
  • Onion 1
  • Garlic 2 cloves

Dairy

  • Fresh cheese (or ricotta) 300 g
  • Feta 100 g

Pantry

  • Oreganooften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 4 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Bakery

  • Country bread 6 slices

Allergens Lactose, Gluten

The step by step recipe

  1. Cut the peppers into strips, slice the onion, and dice the tomatoes.

    Peel the tomatoes if you want a smoother sauce.

  2. Sauté the onion and peppers in the oil, then add the garlic and tomatoes.

    Cover halfway so the peppers soften properly.

  3. Let it simmer until you get a thick sauce, then season with salt and pepper. 25 min

    The sauce should look almost jammy.

  4. Divide into baking dishes, add the fresh cheese and crumbled feta, and sprinkle with oregano.

    Barely mix the cheese in, patches of white and red look nicer.

  5. Bake at 200°C until bubbling and lightly golden, then serve with the bread. 15 min

    Finish for 2 minutes under the broiler for a nice crust.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick tomatoes that are very ripe, almost overripe, they'll release more juice and help the sauce thicken properly.
  • Don't add salt too early, feta is already salty and fresh cheese can be too depending on the brand, so taste before seasoning.
  • If the sauce is still too watery after 25 minutes, keep simmering uncovered a few more minutes before baking.

The variations

  • Swap the feta for fresh goat cheese for a creamier, less salty version.
  • Stir a bit of sweet paprika or smoked paprika into the sauce for a version with more kick.
  • For kids, lightly blend the pepper and tomato sauce before adding the cheese for a smoother texture.

What to serve it with

  • Grilled crusty bread for scooping
  • Simple green salad as a starter
  • Lemon water or mint tea

Storage

Fërgesë keeps for 2 to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container. You can freeze it without the cheese, adding it after thawing. Reheat gently in the oven or a covered skillet so the cheese doesn't dry out.

Questions about this dish

Can you use a different cheese instead of fresh cheese?

Yes, ricotta works very well and keeps the same creamy texture. Fresh sheep's milk cheese is also a good option if you want a stronger flavor.

Can you make fërgesë ahead of time?

You can make the pepper and tomato sauce a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Add the cheese and bake just before serving for the best texture.

Why do you need to simmer the vegetables so long before adding cheese?

The peppers and tomatoes need to release their water and become almost jammy so the sauce turns thick. Adding the cheese too early leaves the dish watery and less rich.

Is fërgesë good for kids?

Yes, it's a mild dish thanks to the fresh cheese, with no strong spices. You can use less feta if your kids prefer milder flavors.

How long does it take to make an Albanian fërgesë with bread?

Count 50 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in an Albanian fërgesë with bread?

About 660 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does an Albanian fërgesë with bread cost?

About €1.90 per serving, or €7.60 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains lactose, gluten. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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