Indulge in the flavors of Kosovo with Pite me Mish, a savory meat pie that showcases the culinary heritage of this Balkan region. This dish features layers of delicate filo pastry enveloping a delicious filling of seasoned minced meat, typically beef or lamb, infused with aromatic spices like paprika, cumin, and garlic. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the crisp, golden-brown exterior of the filo pastry and the savory, tender meat inside.

Pite me Mish is a beloved dish in Kosovo, often served as a hearty main course during family gatherings, celebrations, or festive occasions. The preparation involves skillfully layering the thin sheets of filo pastry with the seasoned meat mixture, creating a beautiful mosaic of textures and flavors. Before baking, the pie is brushed with butter or oil to achieve a perfectly crisp and golden crust.

This traditional Kosovo meat pie is not only a culinary delight but also a symbol of warmth and hospitality. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or at room temperature, Pite me Mish is sure to captivate your taste buds with its rich, savory profile. Serve alongside a fresh salad or yogurt for a complete meal, and savor a taste of Kosovo's gastronomic tradition with every slice of this delightful meat pie.

Ingredients:

- 500g minced meat (beef or lamb)

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon cumin

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- 250g filo pastry sheets

- 100g butter, melted

- Water, as needed

Instructions:

1- Prepare the Filling:

  - Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

  - Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and lightly golden.

  - Add the minced meat to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up any large chunks with a spoon.

  - Stir in the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another few minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the flavors are well combined.

  - Remove from heat and let the meat mixture cool slightly.

2- Assemble the Pie:

  - Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

  - Brush a baking dish or tray with melted butter.

  - Lay one sheet of filo pastry on the bottom of the dish. Brush it lightly with melted butter.

  - Continue layering filo sheets, brushing each sheet with butter, until you have used about half of the sheets.

3- Add the Meat Filling:

  - Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly over the layered filo pastry.

4- Continue Layering:

  - Layer the remaining filo sheets on top of the meat filling, brushing each sheet with melted butter as before.

5- Bake the Pie:

  - Using a sharp knife, carefully score the top layers of the pie into squares or diamonds.

  - Pour any remaining melted butter over the top of the pie.

  - Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the pie is golden brown and crispy.

6- Serve:

  - Once baked, remove the Pite me Mish from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

  - Enjoy this flavorful meat pie warm as a main dish, accompanied by a fresh salad or yogurt.

Note: Pite me Mish can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving. Leftovers can also be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed later. The pie is versatile and can be customized with additional spices or herbs according to your taste preferences.

Nutritional Values :

Minced Meat (500g, Beef)

- Calories: Approximately 1100 kcal

- Protein: Approximately 90g

- Fat: Approximately 80g

- Carbohydrates: Negligible

Benefits:

- Protein: Essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscles, skin, and organs.

- Iron: Important for carrying oxygen in the blood and preventing iron deficiency anemia.

- Zinc: Supports immune function, wound healing, and metabolism.

Filo Pastry (250g)

- Calories: Approximately 750 kcal

- Protein: Approximately 15g

- Fat: Approximately 30g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 105g

Benefits:

- Carbohydrates: Provide energy for the body's functions and activities.

- B Vitamins: Important for energy production.

- Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant and supports thyroid function.

Butter (100g)

- Calories: Approximately 750 kcal

- Protein: Approximately 1g

- Fat: Approximately 82g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.6g

Benefits:

- Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, essential for vision, bone health, and blood clotting.

- Calories: Provides concentrated energy for the body.

- Saturated Fats: Can contribute to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

Onion (1 medium)

- Calories: Approximately 44 kcal

- Protein: Approximately 1g

- Fat: Approximately 0.1g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10g

- Fiber: Approximately 2g

Benefits:

- Antioxidants: Flavonoids and quercetin help protect cells and reduce inflammation.

- Fiber: Supports digestive health and regulates blood sugar levels.

- Vitamin C: Important for immune function and collagen production.

Garlic (2-3 cloves)

- Calories: Approximately 10-15 kcal

- Protein: Approximately 0.5g

- Fat: Approximately 0g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 3-4g

- Fiber: Approximately 0.2g

Benefits:

- Allicin: Potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

- Antioxidants: Combat oxidative stress and reduce chronic disease risk.

- Sulfur Compounds: May contribute to heart health and support detoxification.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

- Calories: Approximately 240 kcal

- Fat: Approximately 28g

Benefits:

- Healthy Fats: Supports brain function and hormone production.

- Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant and supports skin health.

- Calories: Adds energy and enhances absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Paprika (1 teaspoon)

- Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 1g

Benefits:

- Vitamin C: Supports immune function and skin health.

- Capsaicin: May have anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting effects.

Cumin (1/2 teaspoon)

- Calories: Approximately 4 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.6g

Benefits:

- Digestive Health: Traditionally used to aid digestion and reduce bloating.

- Antioxidants: Combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

- Iron: Contains trace amounts important for oxygen transport.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

- Calories: Negligible

- Sodium: Amount varies based on quantity used

Benefits:

- Flavor Enhancement: Enhances the taste of food.

- Sodium: Important for fluid balance and nerve function.

- Pepper (Piperine): May enhance nutrient absorption and possess antioxidant properties.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approximate):

- Calories: Approximately 400-500 kcal

- Protein: Approximately 20-25g

- Fat: Approximately 25-30g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g

Note: These nutritional values are intended as general estimates and can vary based on factors such as ingredient brands, cooking methods, and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, it's recommended to calculate based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe.