Russian salad, Olivier salad or sallatë Ruse as it’s called in Albanian is a traditional Russian and Eastern European side dish usually prepared for holidays or special occasions. In Albania this eye catching, delicious and colorful vegetable dish was made particularly for New Year’s Eve dinner and it was present on almost all tables. Main ingredients are potatoes, carrots, eggs and mayonnaise. Olivier salad is best when all ingredients are diced to the same size. Dice everything pea-sized for best look, taste and texture.
Russian Salad (Sallatë Ruse)
One-Pan Tomatoes, Peppers and Eggs (Fërgesë)
One-pan tomatoes, peppers and eggs or fërgesë is a traditional Albanian dish. It is a one-pan meal which is made with four ingredients: green peppers, ripe tomatoes, eggs and feta cheese. Cured meats could be added on this dish depending on region and the season when it’s made. The word fërgesë in Albanian means to sauté or fry. Tomato based stews were common throughout the former Ottoman Empire and Middle East with some variations. Some are meatless such as this recipe. Similar to this is Shakshouka in Middle East or Turkish Menemen.