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Fli

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 180 mins
Total Time 3 hrs 30 mins
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Cooking Temp: 300  C
Servings: 8
Calories: 595 kcal
Best Season: Spring
Description

Fli is a dish that imediately makes you smile because it reminds you of home, family and friends gathered together sharing a meze, drinking tea or raki, chatting, singing and sometimes even dancing.  This is a food that makes you take a break, retreat and get lost in whatever your surroundings are. That’s because li takes around 3 - 5  hours to cook and is like a meditation for me or a joyful time to share with family and friends gathered by the fire creating a dish, layer after layer, just like building a castle one stone at a time. I guess that’s how friendships are strengthened also, one conversation and one sharing at a time. It takes a lot of patience, care and understanding full of love and disposition to get and keep a friend,  just like making a fli. You can’t risk on leaving it, because it will burn. You have to be there fully immerced in it knowing that it will be worth it in the end. When you start a fli get ready to spend a lot of time by the fire, removing the cover, pouring the batter and creating with fli batter a sun looking figure surrounded by sunrays in the pan.  And then fill the spaces between the “sunrays” up with batter in the next step, and only to continue with another “ sun” on top of it and so on. 

Instructions
  1. 1
    Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and water to create a crepe-like batter. The consistency should be easy to pour but not too thin. Adjust the water or flour as needed.
  2. 2
    Set Up Your Cooking Station: Place the bowls of oil and crumbled feta cheese within easy reach of your cooking area to facilitate the layering process.
  3. 3
    Preheat Cooking Surface: If using a traditional saç, light the fire and heat the lid. If using a broiler or grill, preheat it to a medium-high setting.
  4. 4
    Prepare the Pan: Choose a round baking pan suitable for your cooking method and oil the bottom thoroughly.
  5. 5
    Create the First Layer: Pour a thin layer of batter in a sunburst pattern from the center to the edges of the pan. Cook until golden brown.
  6. 6
    Add Subsequent Layers: Remove the pan, fill in the gaps with batter, and cook again. Once the new lines are golden and the older ones are browned, remove the pan.
  7. 7
    Layer with Oil and Cheese: Brush the entire surface with oil and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly.
  8. 8
    Repeat the Process: Continue layering batter, cooking each layer until golden, and adding oil and cheese between layers until the batter is used up or the desired thickness is achieved.
  9. 9
    Final Cooking: After the last layer, cook until the top is golden brown and the layers are fully cooked through.
  10. 10
    Serve: Cut into wedges and serve hot, accompanied by yogurt, roasted peppers, or your preferred side dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 595kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 23.8g37%
Saturated Fat 7.1g36%
Cholesterol 71mg24%
Sodium 1071mg45%
Potassium 238mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 71.4g24%
Dietary Fiber 4.8g20%
Sugars 11.9g
Protein 16.7g34%
Calcium 119 mg
Iron 5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Cooking Temperature: Traditionally cooked under a saç (a dome-shaped lid covered with hot coals); alternatively, use a broiler or grill.

Cooking Method: Fli is traditionally prepared during spring, especially around March 17th, known as "Flia Day" in Albania, coinciding with the Verëza (spring equinox) festivities. However, it can be enjoyed year-round, particularly during family gatherings and special occasions.

Layering Technique: Ensure each layer is cooked thoroughly before adding the next to achieve the characteristic texture of Fli.

Serving Suggestions: Fli pairs well with yogurt, honey, or roasted vegetables.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated before serving.

Read it online: https://www.votramagazine.com/recipe/fli/
Eating Albanian
with Votra Magazine