Recipe: Albanian Cornmeal Pie with Scallions and Feta Cheese

Albanian Cornmeal Pie with Scallions and Feta Cheese
Source: Home Cooking Around The World by David Ricketts

Unsalted butter, for greasing pan
1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
12 ounces small-curd cottage cheese
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 bunch scallions (about 9), chopped (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 ounces feta cheese

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a 9-inch pie plate.

In a medium bowl, stir together the cornmeal, cottage cheese, eggs, scallions, melted butter, thyme, and salt.

Scrape into prepared pie plate and spread evenly.

Sprinkle the feta over the top.

Bake in 400-degree oven until golden brown, set, and slightly puffed, about 45 minutes.

Let stand 15 minutes, then serve warm.
Makes 6 servings.

Serving tips: This makes a satisfying main course with a green salad or juicy red tomatoes, sliced and seasoned with coarsely ground black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

Or, cut into wedges and serve as you would cornbread, with soups, stews, roasts, egg dishes, or wherever an assertively flavored bread would work.

Use leftovers together with smoked ham or thinly sliced sausage to make small sandwiches.