Embark on a gastronomic adventure through the rich tapestry of Albanian cuisine with our featured recipe – Bukë. Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Albania boasts a culinary heritage that reflects a harmonious blend of Mediterranean, Ottoman, and Balkan influences. Bukë, a traditional Albanian dish, encapsulates the essence of this diverse gastronomic tapestry.

In this culinary exploration, we invite you to discover the secrets behind preparing Bukë, a dish that goes beyond the boundaries of mere sustenance. As we delve into the ingredients, techniques, and cultural significance of Bukë, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and flavors that define Albanian cooking. So, tie on your apron, sharpen your knives, and let's embark on a flavorful journey into the heart of Albania's culinary heritage.

Albanian Bukë (Bread) Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 cups lukewarm water
• Olive oil for brushing

Instructions:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the well of the dry ingredients. Gradually incorporate the flour into the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10-15 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).

Shape the Bread: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a round or oval loaf, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Second Rise: Cover the shaped loaves with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.

Brush with Olive Oil: Before baking, brush the surface of the loaves with olive oil. This will give the bread a golden crust.

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and Enjoy: Allow the Bukë to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve with your favorite Albanian dishes or enjoy it with olive oil and feta cheese.

This Albanian Bukë recipe captures the simplicity and wholesome flavors of traditional Albanian bread, making it a perfect accompaniment to various meals or a delightful snack on its own.

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the listed ingredients per serving (assuming the recipe serves 8 and each serving is 1/8th of the total recipe):

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup):

• Calories: 455
• Protein: 12.9g
• Carbohydrates: 95.4g
• Fat: 1.2g
• Fiber: 3.4g

benefits:

• Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains some protein for muscle and tissue repair.
• Includes small amounts of essential minerals, such as iron and zinc.

Sugar (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 49
• Carbohydrates: 12.6g

benefits:

• Adds sweetness to the bread for enhanced flavor.
• Offers a quick source of energy due to its carbohydrate content.

Salt (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 0
• Sodium: 2,325mg (Note: This is a high estimate; actual intake may be lower due to not consuming all the salt in the recipe.)

benefits:

• Enhances the overall taste of the bread.
• Plays a crucial role in yeast fermentation and gluten development.

Active Dry Yeast (2 teaspoons):

• Calories: 13
• Protein: 2.2g
• Carbohydrates: 1.8g
• Fat: 0.4g

benefits:

• Acts as a leavening agent, causing the bread to rise.
• Provides a source of B vitamins, particularly B6, which is essential for metabolism.

Lukewarm Water (2 cups):

• Calories: 0
• This is essentially calorie-free.

benefits:

• Serves as the liquid component for the dough.
• Hydrates the flour and facilitates gluten formation.

Olive Oil for Brushing (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 119
• Fat: 13.5g
• Saturated Fat: 1.9g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 9.9g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.4g

benefits:

• Adds moisture to the bread, contributing to a softer texture.
• Introduces healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Enhances the overall flavor and aroma of the bread.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and variations in the ingredients used. Additionally, the nutritional content may change if you alter the recipe or serving sizes. Always check specific product labels for the most accurate information.