World Flavors Cookbook

Byrek / Pite (Albanian Savory Pie)

Name: Byrek / Pite (Albanian Savory Pie)
Cook time: 45 min
Cuisine: Albania
Ingredients: 500g flour, water, oil, salt for dough (or ready-made filo); 500g spinach or leeks, wilted; 300g feta cheese, crumbled; 3 eggs; 100ml olive oil; Salt and pepper

Layers of paper-thin phyllo dough filled with spinach, cheese, or meat — the most iconic everyday food in Albania, sold on every street corner.

Cuisine: Albania

Ingredients

500g flour, water, oil, salt for dough (or ready-made filo)
500g spinach or leeks, wilted
300g feta cheese, crumbled
3 eggs
100ml olive oil
Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Make thin dough sheets by stretching on a floured cloth (or use filo). 2. Mix filling: wilted spinach with crumbled feta, eggs, salt, and pepper. 3. Layer oiled dough sheets in a round pan, spooning filling between layers. 4. Coil or layer flat, brush top with oil and egg wash. 5. Bake at 190°C for 40–45 minutes until golden and flaky.