Bulgarian Cheese Banitsa

Ingredients

• 10 sheets of filo dough 10 sheets of filo dough
• 200g (7oz) sirene cheese, crumbled 200g (7oz) sirene cheese, crumbled
• 3 eggs 3 eggs
• 200g (7oz) plain yogurt 200g (7oz) plain yogurt
• 100g (3.5oz) unsalted butter, melted 100g (3.5oz) unsalted butter, melted
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 20g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled sirene cheese, eggs, yogurt, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. 3.
   Grease 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 4 more sheets of filo dough, brushing each layer with melted butter.
6. 6.
   Spread half of the cheese filling evenly over the layered filo dough.
7. 7.
   Continue layering the remaining filo dough sheets, brushing each layer with melted butter.
8. 8.
   Spread the remaining cheese filling over the top layer of filo dough.
9. 9.
   Fold the overhanging edges of the bottom filo dough sheets over the filling.
10. 10.
    Brush the top layer of filo dough with melted butter.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the Banitsa is golden brown and crispy.
12. 12.
    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 tearing. Keep the unused sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
• Sirene cheese — If you can't find sirene cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese, which has a similar taste and texture.
• Yogurt — Use plain, unsweetened yogurt for the filling. Greek yogurt works well too.

Tips & Tricks

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

Serving advice

Cut the Banitsa into squares or triangles and serve it as a main dish or appetizer. It pairs well with a fresh salad or a side of yogurt.

Presentation advice

Present the Banitsa on a platter, allowing the layers of filo dough to be visible. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs for an added touch of color.