Dive into the flavors of Bulgaria with this traditional savory pastry, Banitsa with Spinach. Characterized by crispy phyllo dough and a creamy filling, this dish brings together the soulful essence of Balkan cuisine. Perfect as a main course, an appetizer, or a hearty snack, Banitsa offers a delightful blend of cheese, eggs, yogurt, and spinach enveloped in layers of flaky dough.
Ingredients
🥄 400g Yogurt
💧 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
🧀 300g White Brined Cheese, such as sirene or feta
🥚 4 large Eggs
🍃 200g Spinach
🥚 2 large Eggs (for topping)
🧀 50g White Brined Cheese, such as sirene or feta (for topping)
📜 Phyllo Dough, sufficient for 8 rolls
Instructions
1- Prepare Yogurt Mixture:
- In a white mixing bowl, blend 400g of yogurt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Stir well and set aside, allowing the mixture to react and slightly bubble.
2- Cheese and Egg Mixture:
- In a metal mixing bowl, crumble 300g of white cheese using a fork until it's soft and small.
3- Combine Ingredients:
- Add 4 large eggs to the crumbled cheese.
- Mix until everything is well blended.
4- Add Yogurt Mixture:
- Pour the yogurt-baking soda mixture created earlier into the cheese and egg mixture.
- Stir until the components are evenly combined.
5- Integrate Spinach:
- Fold in 200g of spinach.
- Ensure it is well dispersed throughout the filling mixture.
6- Prepare Phyllo:
- Lay one phyllo sheet flat on parchment paper and spoon some filling along one edge.
- Roll the dough tightly from the filled edge to form a log.
- Repeat this for each phyllo sheet to make eight rolls.
7- Arrange and Coat:
- Place the phyllo rolls into a rectangular black baking pan.
- Arrange them side by side.
8- Top with Topping:
- In another bowl, beat two large eggs with 50g of crumbled cheese.
- Mix well and pour this over the arranged rolls in the baking pan.
9- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the pan inside and bake for about 45 minutes, until the banitsa turns golden brown.
10- Serve:
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Cut into desired portions and enjoy the Banitsa warm.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings:
Equipment: Mixing Bowls (3), Metal Spoon, Fork, Parchment Paper, Baking Pan, Knife, Oven
Cooking Tips
- Work swiftly with phyllo dough, and cover unused sheets with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
- The acidity of the yogurt with the baking soda provides a leavening effect, making the pastry lighter.
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