Somali-style Spinach and Cheese Rolls

Ingredients

In this Somali adaptation of Banitsa, we replace the traditional Bulgarian cheese with a creamy Somali cheese called "gheeysi." Additionally, we incorporate Somali spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric to infuse the rolls with the unique flavors of Somali cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Banitsa, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) spinach, chopped 500g (1.1 lb) spinach, chopped
• 200g (7 oz) gheeysi cheese, crumbled 200g (7 oz) gheeysi cheese, crumbled
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 10 sheets of filo pastry 10 sheets of filo pastry
• Olive oil, for brushing Olive oil, for brushing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. 4.
   In a bowl, combine the cooled spinach, crumbled gheeysi cheese, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. 5.
   Lay one sheet of filo pastry on a clean surface and brush it lightly with olive oil. Place another sheet on top and repeat the process until you have 5 layers.
6. 6.
   Spoon a portion of the spinach and cheese mixture onto the bottom edge of the filo pastry. Roll it up tightly, folding in the sides as you go.
7. 7.
   Repeat the process with the remaining filo pastry sheets and filling.
8. 8.
   Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with olive oil.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves before chopping them. Remove any tough stems to ensure a tender filling.
• Gheeysi cheese — If gheeysi cheese is not available, you can substitute it with feta cheese or another creamy cheese of your choice.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the filo pastry from drying out, cover it with a damp cloth while working with it.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the spinach and cheese mixture.
• Serve the rolls warm as an appetizer or alongside a salad for a light meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Somali-style Spinach and Cheese Rolls warm as an appetizer or as part of a brunch spread. They pair well with a side of yogurt or a tangy tomato chutney.

Presentation advice

Arrange the rolls on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. The golden-brown crust and vibrant green filling will make for an enticing presentation.