The Fast Food of Albania

The European country of Albania holds a special spot in my heart.  In high school, I spent a spring break in Albania.  Although I experienced some culture shock in the beginning of my visit, I soon fell in love with the country--the people, the landscape, the climate, and the food.

While there, I had the opportunity to try some authentic Albanian fast food called Sufllage (aka Greek Souvlaki--meat and vegetables grilled or rotisseried on a skewer).  Ever since I had Sufllage, I've been trying to find a recipe for it.  Of course there was one problem with my search; I wasn't sure how to spell it.  It was only recently that I finally got the spelling correct, and I was then able to find some more information on what exactly is in Sufllaqe.  All I could remember was that it was a pita stuffed full of meat, veggies, some sauce, and French fries.  So, when my friends, Jess and David, came to visit and wanted to cook some Middle Eastern and/or Mediterranean food, what did I suggest?  A knockoff of Sufllaqe, of course!  :)  Here's how we made it:

American Style Chicken Sufllaqe:

Place Chicken, French Fries, Tzatziki, Green Peppers, Hummus, and Feta Cheese in a Pita and enjoy!  You can also add other vegetables such as cucumber, onion, lettuce, or tomato (we were a little short-handed on veggies).

To make the chicken:

• 1 T chopped fresh garlic
• 1 t oregano
• 1 t thyme
• 1 t parsley
• 1 T fresh lemon juice
• 3 T olive oil
• 1 t salt
• 1/2 t freshly ground black pepper
• 1.75 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breast

In a bowl, combine all ingredients except the chicken.  Stir until well mixed.  Pour into a plastic baggie.  Drop chicken into bag.  Marinate for at least 30 minutes.  This is where we cheated; for this to be true sufllaqe, you're supposed to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and skewer.  Then cook them either in a rotisserie or on the grill.  We did not do this.  Instead we preheated an electric grill, place the whole breast on the grates.  Grilled the chickens until cooked; then we sliced them into centimeter-wide strips.  Either way will work, but remember that Sufllage (Albanian) means Souvlaki (Greek) or meat grilled on a skewer.

To make the Tzatziki:

• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 2 T freshly chopped dill leaves
• 1 small container of Greek yogurt (7-or-8oz - we found this in the organic section at the store)
• 2 t lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.  If you want the tzatiki sauce to be a bit more spicy, add 1 or 2 teaspoons of hot sauce (we didn't do this).

To make the Hummus:

4 garlic cloves

2 cups canned chickpeas, drained, liquid reserved

1-1/2 t kosker salt

6 T fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

2 T water or liquid from the chickpeas

In a food processor, pulse garlic until minced.  Add the rest of the ingredients to the food processor and process until the hummus is smooth and pureed.  Serve either chilled or at room temperature.  For variation add 1/3 c tahini (sesame paste) or up to 8 dashes of hot sauce (for spicier hummus).

For me, this homemade Sufllaqe was one of the best entrées I've had in a while.  I can't wait to make it again. I'm also considering making the chicken to put on salads or eat alone.  Some other traditional Albanian fast food dishes include: Byrek (Turkish Burek), Pice (Italian Pizza), and Qofte (Turkish Kofte).  From what I have read, Byrek is similar to a meat pie made with flaky phyllo dough and filled with meat, spinach, and/or cheese.  Then it is fried.  The Pice I had when I was in Albania was topped with tomato disks and mozzarella cheese.  I recreated it once, but the tomatoes in Albania taste completely different than American tomatoes.  Needless to say, it was better in Albania.  Lastly, Qofte is basically the European meatloaf.  It is made from minced or ground meat (usually lamb) and spices.