KOSOVO: Leek, Feta, and Cornmeal Pie (Pispili me Presh) and Creamed Spinach with Garlic (Ćušpajz od Špinata)

This "pie" has a lot of bang for the buck. The leeks, cornbread, and feta worked wonderfully together. I could see this as a great brunch main course in the spring, the side dish to an autumnal meal, and the springboard to add in other veggies. And a bonus — it's naturally gluten free.

Leek, Feta, and Cornmeal Pie (Pispili me Presh)

2 large leeks

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1 cup cornflour

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ cup + 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400° F. Line an 8x8 baking dish with a sheet of parchment paper.

2. Cut off both ends of the leeks, then slice them lengthwise, then into half moon slices. Clean them thoroughly.

3. Place 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks, and season liberally with salt and pepper and sauté leeks. Cook until the leeks are soft. Set aside to cool.

4. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add milk, remaining tablespoon of olive oil, cornflour, and ½ cup of the crumbled feta. Add cooked leeks.

5. Pour the mix into the prepared baking dish. Use a fork to move the mixture so the leeks and batter are evenly distributed. Pat down so leek are flattened. Sprinkle with the remaining feta.

6. Bake for 35 minutes or toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting.

   
   

Creamed Spinach with Garlic (Ćušpajz od Špinata)

1 lb spinach or Swiss chard

2 cloves of garlic

1 tablespoon of olive oil

½ cup whole milk

1 egg

½ teaspoon of flour

1 teaspoon of salt

1. Place spinach in a large lidded pot or sauté pan. Add in 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium low. Cook about 5 minutes, until spinach is wilted. While spinach is blanching, mince the garlic and set aside.

2. Drain the cooked spinach in a sieve or colander, using the back of a spoon to squeeze out extra water. Place spinach on a large cutting board with a juice groove and cut the spinach in both directions so it is finely chopped.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it's hot, sprinkle in the flour. Stir for 1 minutes, breaking up any clumps.

4. Sprinkle the chopped spinach over it and fry briefly. Gradually add the milk, salt and stir for 1 minute. Crack the egg into the mixture and stir vigorously until everything is well combined and cooked through, about 3 more minutes.

5. Remove from heat and sprinkle on the minced garlic. Mix thoroughly and serve.

#leekpie #gfbrunch #kosovo

FUN FACTS:

• Kosovo is a young country in every definition of young. Kosovo is the youngest country in Europe, declaring its statehood in 2008. It also has the youngest population in Europe; more than 70% of its residents are under 35.

• The Marble Cave, discovered in 1966 in Kosovo, has crystallized marble stalactites and stalagmites that are believed to be almost 80 million years old.

• My last fact needs a photo to do it justice. Kosovo brides used to (and 1% still do) wear elaborate wedding-day makeup, comprising a white base layer, multiple fine lines, and jewels.