Flia

Flia, fli, fliya or flija is an Albanian dish typical of northern Albania and of the cuisine of Kosovo. It consists of multiple crêpe-like layers brushed with cream and served with sour cream and butter. The name translates to "sacrifice". Flia is prepared in the shape of the Sun also featuring sunbeams.

Tradition

March 17, which falls within the traditional Albanian festivities of Verëza, is recognized as "Flia Day" in which families invite their relatives for preparing and eating flia. It is assumed that flia began to be prepared by Albanians for Verëza as a sacrifice to the Sun-god.

Preparation

Flia requires very simple ingredients, although it takes a rather long time to prepare. The ingredients are flour, water, butter, yogurt, eggs, oil and salt. Some variations use kaymak as the filling instead. The main ingredients are mixed together until they become like pancake batter. Flija is not a sweet dish, and is instead a savory main course dish eaten usually during lunch or dinner. Layers of batter are baked using a saq, a spherical metal lid used for baking.