Explore the rich culinary heritage of Gjirokastra with Teta Marjeta as your guide. Her decades of experience shine through as she leads an intimate cooking class focused on the iconic OSA dish. Under Teta’s patient tutelage, you will select the freshest ingredients and master the precise techniques required to recreate this flavorful Albanian delicacy. As the aromas of simmering spices and sautéed vegetables fill the air, you’ll gain invaluable insights into the authentic flavors that define this region’s vibrant cuisine. What secrets will Teta unveil to ensure your OSA dish achieves perfection?
Key Points
- Teta Marjeta, a professional chef with over 30 years of experience, provides step-by-step guidance on preparing the iconic Gjirokastra dish OSA.
- The cooking class covers the proper techniques for selecting fresh ingredients and precisely executing the cooking process to achieve authentic OSA flavors.
- Participants gain valuable insights and tips from Teta Marjeta to recreate the traditional OSA dish at home, continuing their culinary journey.
- The class emphasizes the rich culinary heritage of Gjirokastra, allowing participants to enjoy the region’s authentic flavors.
- The comprehensive cooking class includes the preparation of other traditional dishes, such as oven-cooked cheese, rice balls, savory pies, and dessert.
Overview of the Cooking Class
Frequently lauded for its authenticity, the cooking class in Gjirokastra, Albania offers participants a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of the region.
Rated an impressive 4.7 out of 5 by previous attendees, the class is led by a professional chef and capped at a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
Guests will learn to prepare a selection of traditional Albanian dishes, including oven-cooked cheese, rice balls, stuffed peppers, savory pies, and a sweet dessert.
Recipe cards are provided for easy recreation at home.
The experience also includes afternoon tea, beverages, and gratuities, making it a comprehensive and convenient culinary adventure.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Gjirokaster.
Preparing Traditional Albanian Dishes
During the cooking class, participants explore the rich culinary traditions of Gjirokastra, Albania as they learn to prepare a selection of authentic local dishes.
Under the guidance of a professional chef, they’ll master the techniques for making oven-cooked cheese, rice balls, stuffed peppers, savory pies, and a sweet dessert.
The menu includes the starter dish Qifqi, the main course OSA which is unique to the region, and the dessert Hasude.
Participants receive recipe cards to recreate these beloved recipes at home, ensuring they can continue their culinary journey long after the class ends.
Starter: Qifqi
Qifqi, a beloved starter dish in the Gjirokastra region, kicks off the cooking class with a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
This traditional rice ball is shaped by hand, stuffed with a savory filling, and then pan-fried to crispy perfection.
The class learns the art of achieving the perfect qifqi consistency – light and fluffy on the inside, with a delicate crunchy exterior.
The chef guides participants through the step-by-step process, ensuring each qifqi is beautifully crafted.
The end result is a delectable appetizer that whets the appetite for the main courses to come, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Gjirokastra.
Main Course: OSA
Moving on from the tantalizing qifqi starter, the class now turns its attention to the main event – the preparation of the iconic OSA dish, a culinary treasure unique to the Gjirokastra region.
Under the expert guidance of the professional chef, you will learn the intricate steps involved in crafting this beloved local specialty.
From meticulously selecting the fresh ingredients to the precise techniques required for assembling and cooking the dish, every aspect will be covered in detail.
The chef will share valuable insights and tips, ensuring the class can confidently recreate the authentic flavors of OSA in their own kitchens.
With each step, the aromas will fill the air, whetting the appetite for the impending culinary delight.
Dessert: Hasude
To conclude the culinary adventure, the class now turns its attention to the delightful Hasude, a traditional Albanian dessert. Hasude, a sweet treat unique to the region, is a must-try for any foodie. This decadent dessert features a delicate pastry shell filled with a rich, creamy custard. The flavors are a harmonious blend of subtle sweetness and a touch of vanilla.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | 2 cups | Sifted |
| Eggs | 3 | Beaten |
| Sugar | 1 cup | – |
| Milk | 2 cups | – |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | – |
With its flaky exterior and velvety interior, Hasude is a decadent delight that perfectly caps off this authentic Albanian culinary experience.
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Inclusions and Meeting Information
The class includes all necessary food and beverages, with afternoon tea and gratuities covered.
The meeting point is Sheshi Çerçiz Topulli 5 in Gjirokastra, Albania. Participants will end up back at the meeting point after the experience.
Confirmation is received upon booking, though the class isn’t wheelchair accessible. The minimum drinking age is 18, and the price starts at €4,563.58.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience begins. This ensures a hassle-free and inclusive cooking adventure for all participants.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Confirmation is received upon booking this cooking class, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.
The class has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start of the experience. This provides flexibility for guests who may need to adjust their plans.
The minimum age for the class is 18 years, ensuring participants can fully enjoy the alcoholic beverages included in the experience.
With a maximum group size of 10, the class offers an intimate and personalized learning environment led by a professional chef.
Pricing for the class starts at €4,563.58, making it an accessible option for those looking to enjoy the traditional cuisine of Gjirokastra, Albania.
About the Chef
A professional chef leads this cooking class, guiding participants through the preparation of traditional Albanian dishes.
Teta Marjeta, as she’s affectionately known, has over 30 years of experience mastering the region’s culinary traditions.
With her expertise, she’ll teach the class how to properly execute each step, from kneading the dough for the savory pies to layering the flavors in the unique Gjirokastra dish, Osa.
Teta Marjeta’s passion for Albanian cuisine shines through as she shares her extensive knowledge and cooking techniques.
Her friendly demeanor and patient instruction ensure an engaging and educational experience for all participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Class?
There is no specific dress code mentioned for the cooking class. Participants are likely expected to wear comfortable, casual attire that allows them to move freely and participate in the hands-on cooking activities.
Can I Bring My Own Ingredients?
The cooking class does not allow participants to bring their own ingredients. All necessary ingredients are provided as part of the class experience. Participants should come prepared to learn and cook the traditional Albanian dishes under the guidance of the professional chef.
Can I Purchase Additional Cooking Supplies?
Participants can purchase additional cooking supplies at the venue if desired. The class includes all necessary ingredients, but extra supplies may be available for purchase to take home recipes. Speak with the chef for more information on purchasing supplementary items.
Is There Parking Available Near the Meeting Point?
The information provided does not specify if there is parking available near the meeting point. However, as the class is held in the historic city of Gjirokastra, participants might need to explore options for public or street parking in the area.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No, participants don’t need to bring any special equipment. All necessary cooking utensils and ingredients are provided during the class. The focus is on hands-on learning and enjoying the traditional Albanian dishes prepared under the guidance of the professional chef.
Recap
Teta Marjeta’s cooking class offers an immersive experience in the traditional flavors of Albanian cuisine. Participants will learn to prepare the iconic OSA dish, a culinary gem unique to Gjirokastra, under Teta’s expert guidance. With over 30 years of experience, Teta shares valuable insights and tips, allowing guests to savor the rich aromas and anticipation of their homemade creation. This class provides a unique opportunity to discover the authentic tastes of Albania.