Flaky cheesy and savory pastry!
Aneri's note: I think Eastern Europe just might have some of the best food in the world after starting this cooking blog. I think I'm going to have to visit this part of the world and see for myself!
Banitsa
Difficulty level (1-10): 8
You may recognize Banitsa because it has many other variations and names in Eastern Europe, like Burek in Bosnia. However, this recipe is specifically for a Bulgarian Banitsa, a very popular and indulgent cheese pastry.
Ingredients
Olive oil - 2 TB
Eggs - 3
Yogurt - 2 cups
Feta - 12 oz
All purpose flour - 1/3 cup
Baking soda - 1/2 tsp
Phyllo - 1 1b
Butter - 8 oz
Water - 1/3 cup
Honey - for drizzle
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 (9 inch) pie pans with 1 tablespoon olive oil each, then dust lightly with flour.
2. In a medium bowl, beat eggs. Whisk in yogurt until smooth. Crumble in feta. Mix in flour, baking soda.
3. Lightly dust work surface with flour. brush the top sheet with the butter. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the feta yogurt in a thin line across the short side nearest you. Tightly roll up the phyllo sheet to the other short side. Place seam side down with one end in the center and spiral around in a circle. Repeat with remaining phyllo sheets, continuing to wrap them around the center until you reach the edge of the pie pan. Fill the other pie pan.
4. Drizzle the top of the pies with remaining butter.
5. Bake in preheated oven until the top is golden brown, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Allow to cool 10-20 minutes before drizzling with honey before serving.
Want more veg recipes from Bulgaria? Check out:
Bob Chorba, a popular bean stew by 196 Flavors
Lutenitsa spread, a popular spread for bread made out of garlic and bell pepper
Sireni po Shopski, the Bulgarian version of shakshuka
Shopska Salata - fresh Bulgarian salad from the Spruce Eats
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