Embark on a culinary journey to Albania as we unveil the secrets of one of its most beloved dishes—Salce Kosi. This delightful recipe encapsulates the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Albania, offering a taste of tradition that has been passed down through generations. Salce Kosi, a creamy and tangy yogurt-based dish, is not just a meal but a reflection of the country's unique culinary identity. Join us in the kitchen as we explore the art of crafting this exquisite Albanian dish, blending simplicity with sophistication to create a gastronomic experience that will transport you to the heart of Albania. Get ready to savor the creamy delight of Salce Kosi and discover the joy of bringing a piece of Albanian culture to your dining table.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Instructions:

Prepare the Yogurt Mixture:In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and water. Whisk until you achieve a smooth and well-blended consistency.

Add Aromatic Ingredients:Mix in the minced garlic, olive oil, and white vinegar. Stir well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

Introduce the Crunch:Gently fold in the diced cucumber, adding a refreshing crunch to the creamy mixture.

Season to Perfection:Season the Salce Kosi with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Remember that the flavors will develop further as the dish chills.

Incorporate Fresh Herbs:Sprinkle the chopped mint and dill into the mixture. Stir gently to infuse the soup with the aromatic essence of the herbs.

Refrigerate:Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Salce Kosi for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to reach its refreshing, chilled state.

Serve and Garnish:Once chilled, give the soup a final stir and ladle it into individual serving bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy:Serve the Albanian Salce Kosi as a delightful appetizer or a light summer meal. Pair it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own for a truly authentic Albanian dining experience.

This Salce Kosi recipe offers a harmonious blend of creamy yogurt, crisp cucumbers, and aromatic herbs—an ideal dish to beat the summer heat or to introduce a touch of Albanian culinary tradition to your table.

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the main ingredients in the Albanian Salce Kosi recipe. Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands or variations of the ingredients used.

Plain Greek Yogurt (2 cups):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 8g

benefits: Rich in protein, Greek yogurt supports muscle health and helps in maintaining a feeling of fullness. It also provides probiotics for gut health and is a good source of calcium for bone health.

Cucumber (1 medium-sized, peeled and diced):

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g

benefits: Low in calories and high in water content, cucumbers contribute to hydration and provide vitamins and minerals. They also contain antioxidants and may aid digestion.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits: Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and cardiovascular support. It contains allicin, a compound with various medicinal properties.

Water (1 cup):

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits: Essential for overall health, water is crucial for hydration, digestion, and nutrient absorption. It helps regulate body temperature and supports various bodily functions

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits: Olive oil is a source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to cardiovascular health and overall well-being.

White Vinegar (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.1g

benefits: White vinegar may aid in digestion, blood sugar control, and weight management. It adds a tangy flavor to dishes and can be a lower-calorie alternative to some other condiments.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• These contribute minimal calories and are often used in small amounts for flavoring.

benefits: While used in small amounts for flavor, salt provides essential minerals like sodium, important for nerve and muscle function. Pepper contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Fresh Mint (2 tablespoons, chopped):

• Calories: 2
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.4g

benefits: Mint is known for its soothing properties, aiding digestion and providing relief from indigestion. It adds a refreshing flavor to dishes and beverages.

Fresh Dill (2 tablespoons, chopped):

• Calories: 2
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 0.4g

benefits: Dill is a good source of vitamins, including vitamin A and vitamin C. It also contains antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties, contributing to overall health.

Keep in mind that these values are general estimates and may vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. Additionally, the nutritional content can be affected by factors such as the type of Greek yogurt (e.g., full-fat, low-fat) and the specific olive oil used.