Delish Dessert Recipes From The Heartland Of Kosovo That Are Hearty And Comforting

Before modernization and the mixing of cultures took place, Kosovo was enjoying a farm-to-table lifestyle of enjoying the freshness of nature. The Romans later introduced their beloved olive oil, bread and wine and as time passed Slavic and Byzantine influences showed up in the form of pies, stews and cured meat. The Ottomans also brought in Turkish influences with their baklavas and kebabs. All of these intertwined and the special sweets that emerged are Kosovo’s very own.

1. Flija

Flija is a humble pancake which consists of numerous thin, doughy layers delicately stacked upon one another, creating a towering, intricate structure. Traditionally, Flija is prepared outdoors using a specialized metal lid known as a "sač". The preparation process is simple but meticulous and involves alternating the batter and cream layers, with each successive layer receiving a dose of baking from the intense heat of the lid before the next is carefully added.

2. Krempita

Kremšnite or Krempita are cream squares that are also known as Cremeschnitte depending on which part of Europe you eat it. Krempita is essentially a vanilla slice with the yellow part being custard supported by a soft crust, sometimes on the bottom or both sides, sandwiching the vanilla custard. They are unbelievably soft and one bite into one feels like eating a cloud.

3. Tespishte

Tespishte is a simple Kosovar dessert made by boiling oil with milk or water, and then combining the mixture with flour, eggs, and baking powder to form a dough. The dough can be enriched with chopped nuts, seeds, or coconut. The dough is stretched into a baking tray, cut into rhombus shapes, and baked. Once baked, the warm pastry is finished with a sugar syrup flavored with vanilla and lemon. In Kosovo and the Balkans, Tespishte is traditionally prepared for special occasions like weddings, family gatherings, and holidays.

4. Petulla

Akin to a more casual cousin of the beloved doughnut, Petulla hails from the Balkan region. When fried, they develop a golden, crispy exterior that encases a delightfully soft and fluffy on the inside. Petulla may be drizzled with honey or dusted with sugar and share similarities with doughnut holes that are popular across the Middle East. They might also be paired with savory items like feta cheese or served alongside a tangy yogurt dip.

5. Simit

A cross between a bagel and a pretzel, Simit is a popular sweet snack that is borrowed from the rich culinary heritage of Turkey and the Balkans, which encompasses Kosovo too. This ring-shaped bread is rich in yeast culture and its crisp outer layer is coated in a crunchy layer of toasted sesame seeds. Simit is enjoyed in its pure, unadulterated form, with many savoring it by simply tearing off chunks and relishing its chewy, crusty goodness. It is also popular in Germany and Greece where it goes by a different name.

6. Baklava

Baklava is quite popular in the Middle East and is a layered dessert crafted from delicate sheets of phyllo dough with chopped nuts in between. It is then sweetened with a thick honey or syrup syrup, sometimes flavored. Despite its widespread popularity, baklava holds a special place in the hearts of Kosovars, who often indulge in this sweet treat accompanied by a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream.

7. Gözleme

Influenced by Turkish cuisine, gözleme is a dessert that borders on the savory side which combines thin, rolled-out dough with a variety of fillings. The dough is stuffed with different local ingredients, folded over, and then pan-fried to achieve a crispy, golden-brown hue. The fillings can range from spicy minced meat to a cool and refreshing combination of spinach and cheese. Gözleme truly turns into a dessert when it is filled with a sprinkling of sugar.

8. Proja

Proja is a rustic, savory homemade cake recipe made primarily from cornmeal that isn’t sweet like its American version. This hearty dish is the ultimate comfort dish and invokes the warmth and comfort of a grandmother's kitchen. Unlike the sweet cornbread commonly found in the Southern United States, Proja leans is savory, often incorporating additions such as cheese, yogurt or sour cream, and occasionally even a sprinkling of spicy peppers. This unassuming cake is perfectly complemented by a dollop of cool yogurt, a slab of cheese, or simply enjoyed on its own.