Pispili of the South — Traditional Southern Pie With Corn Flour, Leeks and Cheese

Pispili is the characteristic pie of southern Albania’s regions (Përmet, Gjirokastër, Sarandë), traditionally prepared with corn flour instead of wheat flour, filled with leeks, spinach, nettles or other seasonal herbs and white cheese.

INGREDIENTS

• 500 g corn flour
• 300 g fresh leeks (or a mix of spinach and nettles)
• 200 g white cheese (or gjizë)
• 3 eggs
• 120 ml olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon dried mint (optional)
• Lukewarm water as needed

PREPARATION STEPS

1. Wash the leeks and herbs well, chop finely and drain.
2. In a large bowl, mix the corn flour with the salt, baking powder and dried mint.
3. Add the eggs, olive oil and crumbled cheese; mix well.
4. Gradually add lukewarm water while mixing, until you get a soft, homogeneous dough.
5. Grease a baking pan with olive oil and spread the dough evenly (about 2 cm thick).
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 40–45 minutes, until the surface turns golden and crisps lightly.
7. Let it cool slightly, cut into squares and serve warm with yogurt, gjizë or white cheese.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Baking time: 40–45 minutes | Servings: 8