Bulgarian Cheese and Spinach Pastry

Ingredients

• 10 sheets of filo dough 10 sheets of filo dough
• 200g (7oz) Bulgarian white cheese, crumbled 200g (7oz) Bulgarian white cheese, crumbled
• 200g (7oz) fresh spinach, chopped 200g (7oz) fresh spinach, chopped
• 3 eggs 3 eggs
• 150g (5.3oz) plain yogurt 150g (5.3oz) plain yogurt
• 100g (3.5oz) unsalted butter, melted 100g (3.5oz) unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled Bulgarian white cheese, chopped spinach, eggs, and yogurt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. 3.
   Brush a baking dish with melted butter.
4. 4.
   Place a sheet of filo dough in the baking dish, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. Brush the sheet with melted butter.
5. 5.
   Repeat the process with 5 more sheets of filo dough, brushing each layer with melted butter.
6. 6.
   Spread half of the cheese and spinach filling evenly over the filo dough layers.
7. 7.
   Layer 3 more sheets of filo dough, brushing each layer with melted butter.
8. 8.
   Spread the remaining cheese and spinach filling over the filo dough layers.
9. 9.
   Layer the remaining 2 sheets of filo dough on top, brushing each layer with melted butter.
10. 10.
    Fold the overhanging edges of the filo dough over the top layer, creating a neat package.
11. 11.
    Brush the top with melted butter.
12. 12.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Filo dough — Handle the filo dough gently to prevent it from tearing. Keep it covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from drying out.
• Bulgarian white cheese — If you can't find Bulgarian white cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese, which has a similar texture and flavor.
• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves and remove any tough stems before chopping.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispier pastry, brush each layer of filo dough generously with melted butter.
• Serve the Banitsa warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
• Leftover Banitsa can be reheated in the oven to restore its crispiness.

Serving advice

Cut the Bulgarian Cheese and Spinach Pastry into individual portions and serve it as a main dish for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for lunch or dinner. It pairs well with a fresh salad or a bowl of yogurt on the side.

Presentation advice

Present the Banitsa on a serving platter, showcasing its golden and flaky layers. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, to add a pop of color.