Speca Me Gjize—meaning "Peppers with Cheese"—is a beloved Albanian recipe with roots dating back to the rural traditions of Albania, where simple, fresh ingredients were celebrated. The dish features vibrant bell peppers filled with Gjizë, a unique Albanian cheese made from strained yogurt or low-fat milk, with a texture similar to ricotta but slightly drier and more crumbly. This cheese adds a creamy and tangy flavor that enhances the dish.

Often served during festive occasions and family gatherings, Speca Me Gjize captures the warmth of Albanian hospitality. Discover the secrets behind this traditional recipe and bring a taste of Albania to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)

- 200g feta cheese, crumbled

- 1 cup Greek yogurt

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Bell Peppers:

1-Wash the bell peppers and cut them in half lengthwise.

2-Remove the seeds and membranes, creating a hollow cavity in each half.

Make the Filling:

1-In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, and minced garlic.

2-Mix the ingredients well until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

3-Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.

Fill the Bell Peppers:Spoon the feta and yogurt mixture into each bell pepper half, distributing it evenly.

Bake:

1-Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2-Place the stuffed bell peppers on a baking sheet.

3-Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed peppers.

Bake until Golden:Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender, and the filling develops a golden brown crust.

Serve:

1-Once done, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven.

2-Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.

Enjoy:

Serve the Speca Me Gjize warm as a delightful appetizer or side dish. It pairs well with crusty bread or can be enjoyed on its own.

This Speca Me Gjize recipe captures the essence of Albanian flavors, offering a balance of creamy and tangy notes within the sweet, roasted peppers. Embrace the taste of Albanian tradition with this simple yet delicious dish!

Nutritional Values:

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and variations of ingredients, but here's a general estimate for the nutritional content of the specified ingredients:

1. 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)

- Calories: Approximately 120 calories (30 calories per pepper)

- Carbohydrates: About 29 grams (7.25 grams per pepper)

- Protein: Around 4 grams (1 gram per pepper)

- Fat: Nearly 0.5 grams (0.125 grams per pepper)

- Sodium: Approximately 10 milligrams (2.5 milligrams per pepper)

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B6

- Minerals: Contains potassium, folate, and magnesium

- Nutritional benefit: Bell peppers are low in calories and high in vitamins C and A, which support the immune system and maintain healthy skin. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.

2. 200g feta cheese, crumbled

- Calories: About 420 calories (210 calories per 100 grams)

- Carbohydrates: Around 6 grams (3 grams per 100 grams)

- Protein: Approximately 25 grams (12.5 grams per 100 grams)

- Fat: About 35 grams (17.5 grams per 100 grams)

- Sodium: Roughly 1,200 milligrams (600 milligrams per 100 grams)

- Cholesterol: Around 130 milligrams (65 milligrams per 100 grams)

- Vitamins: Contains vitamin A, vitamin B12, and riboflavin

- Minerals: Rich in calcium and phosphorus, moderate in zinc

- Nutritional benefit: Feta cheese provides a good amount of protein and calcium, which are essential for bone health. It also contains beneficial probiotics that support gut health.

3. 1 cup Greek yogurt

- Calories: Approximately 130 calories

- Carbohydrates: About 9 grams

- Protein: Roughly 20 grams

- Fat: Around 3 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 70 milligrams

- Cholesterol: Around 20 milligrams

- Vitamins: Contains vitamin B12 and riboflavin

- Minerals: Rich in calcium and potassium

- Nutritional benefit: Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein and probiotics, which aid in digestion and maintain a healthy gut. It also provides calcium for strong bones and teeth.

4. 2 cloves garlic, minced

- Calories: About 8 calories

- Carbohydrates: Around 2 grams

- Protein: Roughly 0.4 grams

- Fat: Almost 0 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 1 milligram

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and vitamin B6

- Minerals: Provides manganese, selenium, and a small amount of iron

- Nutritional benefit: Garlic is known for its potential to boost the immune system and reduce blood pressure. It also has antioxidant properties and may help reduce cholesterol levels.

5. 2 tablespoons olive oil

- Calories: About 240 calories

- Carbohydrates: 0 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: Around 27 grams

- Sodium: 0 milligrams

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Vitamins: Contains vitamin E and vitamin K

- Minerals: Low in minerals but contains trace amounts of potassium

- Nutritional benefit: Olive oil is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Salt and pepper to taste

- Calories: 0 calories

- Carbohydrates: 0 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

- Sodium: Varies depending on the amount used (salt can be high in sodium)

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Vitamins: Not significant

- Minerals: Salt provides sodium; pepper contains trace minerals such as manganese and iron

- Nutritional benefit: Salt enhances flavor but should be used in moderation to maintain healthy blood pressure. Pepper may aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption.

7. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

- Calories: About 4 calories per tablespoon

- Carbohydrates: Around 1 gram per tablespoon

- Protein: Roughly 0.3 grams per tablespoon

- Fat: Almost 0 grams

- Sodium: Approximately 2 milligrams per tablespoon

- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A

- Minerals: Contains calcium, iron, and magnesium

- Nutritional benefit: Parsley is a good source of vitamins K, C, and A, which support bone health, boost immunity, and improve vision. It also has antioxidant properties.