Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Kosovo with Flija, a delectable layered pancake dish that embodies centuries of tradition. Each delicate layer is meticulously crafted and cooked slowly over an open fire, infusing the dish with a unique smoky aroma and a tantalizing blend of flavors. From the crisp outer edges to the soft, savory center, every bite offers a taste of Kosovo's cultural richness. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or as a centerpiece at festive gatherings, Kosovo Flija promises a culinary experience that's as memorable as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 6 cups water

- Salt, to taste

- 1 cup plain yogurt

- 1 cup sour cream

- 1 cup melted butter or oil

- Additional butter or oil for greasing

Instructions:

1- Prepare the Batter:

  - In a large bowl, mix the flour with water and a pinch of salt to make a thin pancake-like batter. The consistency should be pourable but not too watery. Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes.

2- Prepare the Filling:

  - In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt and sour cream. This will be used as the filling between the layers of Flija.

3- Heat the Fire:

  - If you have an outdoor fire pit or grill, prepare a medium-low fire. You'll need a consistent, moderate heat for cooking the Flija slowly.

4- Cooking the Layers:

  - Place a large, shallow pan or skillet on the fire to heat up. Grease the pan lightly with butter or oil.

  - Pour a thin layer of the batter onto the hot pan, tilting the pan to spread the batter evenly and thinly. Cook until the edges start to brown and the top of the pancake is set.

5- Layering:

  - Once the first layer is cooked, remove the pan from the fire. Spread a thin layer of the yogurt and sour cream mixture over the cooked pancake.

  - Continue layering: add another thin layer of batter on top of the filling and return the pan to the fire. Cook until set.

  - Repeat the process of layering and cooking until you've used up all the batter. Alternate between layers of batter and the yogurt-sour cream filling.

6- Final Cooking:

  - For the top layer, cook until the Flija is golden brown and cooked through. You may need to adjust the heat of the fire to prevent burning while ensuring the layers cook evenly.

7- Serve:

  - Once fully cooked, remove the Flija from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into squares or wedges.

  - Serve warm, drizzled with melted butter or oil on top.

Notes:

  - The key to making a good Flija is achieving thin, evenly cooked layers. Adjust the thickness of each layer and the heat of the fire accordingly.

  - Traditionally, Flija is cooked using a special round metal lid (sach) that covers the pan to help distribute the heat evenly. If you have something similar, use it during the cooking process to simulate this effect.

  - Experiment with the amount of filling and the thickness of each layer to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade Kosovo Flija!

Nutritional Values :

Here's the nutritional information and benefits for each ingredient, as well as for the entire dish:

All-Purpose Flour (4 cups):

- Calories:Approximately 1560 kcal

- Total Fat:4 g

- Carbohydrates:328 g

- Dietary Fiber:12 g

- Sugars:4 g

- Protein:44 g

Benefits:

- Provides carbohydrates for energy.

- Contains some protein for muscle repair and growth.

- Source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.

Water (6 cups):

- Calories:Negligible

- Total Fat:0 g

- Carbohydrates: 0 g

- Protein:0 g

Benefits:

- Essential for hydration and bodily functions.

- Helps regulate body temperature.

- Necessary for nutrient transport and waste removal.

Salt (to taste):

- Calories: Negligible

- Sodium Content:Varies based on amount used

Benefits:

- Adds flavor to food.

- Regulates fluid balance in the body.

- Contains essential electrolytes like sodium and chloride.

Plain Yogurt (1 cup):

- Calories:Approximately 150 kcal

- Total Fat: 8 g

- Carbohydrates:12 g

- Sugars:12 g

- Protein:8 g

Benefits:

- Excellent source of calcium for strong bones and teeth.

- Contains probiotics that promote gut health.

- Provides protein for muscle repair and growth.

Sour Cream (1 cup):

- Calories:Approximately 444 kcal

- Total Fat:45 g

- Carbohydrates:8 g

- Sugars:2 g

- Protein:4 g

Benefits:

- Rich source of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin D.

- Adds creamy texture and flavor to dishes.

- Contains saturated fats which provide energy.

Butter or Oil (1 cup melted):

- Calories (Butter):Approximately 1628 kcal

- Total Fat (Butter):184 g

- Calories (Oil):Approximately 1927 kcal

- Total Fat (Oil):218 g

Benefits:

- Supplies concentrated calories and fat for energy.

- Contains essential fatty acids important for cell function.

- Enhances flavor and texture of foods.

Nutritional Information for Entire Dish (Approximate):

- Total Calories:Around 4782 kcal (using butter) to 4981 kcal (using oil)

- Total Fat:

 - Using Butter: Approximately 241 g

 - Using Oil: Approximately 265 g

- Total Carbohydrates:Approximately 348 g

- Total Protein:Approximately 60 g

Notes:

- The nutritional values provided are estimates based on typical nutritional information for the ingredients used.

- Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and variations in ingredient composition.

- These values are for the entire batch of Flija made with the specified quantities of ingredients. Actual serving sizes and nutritional content per serving will depend on how the dish is divided and served.