Croatian Spinach and Cheese Pita

Ingredients

While the Croatian Spinach and Cheese Pita draws inspiration from the Turkish Börek, it incorporates some variations to suit the Croatian palate. The filling is typically made with a combination of local cheeses such as sir i vrhnje (Croatian cottage cheese) and škripavac (a semi-hard cheese), which add a unique flavor profile. Additionally, Croatian pita often includes the use of fresh herbs like parsley and dill, enhancing the overall taste and aroma of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Börek, so you can check it out.

• 10 sheets of phyllo pastry 10 sheets of phyllo pastry
• 500g (1.1 lb) spinach, washed and chopped 500g (1.1 lb) spinach, washed and chopped
• 200g (7 oz) sir i vrhnje (Croatian cottage cheese) 200g (7 oz) sir i vrhnje (Croatian cottage cheese)
• 200g (7 oz) škripavac cheese, grated 200g (7 oz) škripavac cheese, grated
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 100g (3.5 oz) butter, melted 100g (3.5 oz) butter, melted

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat the 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 mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, Croatian cottage cheese, grated škripavac cheese, chopped parsley, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
5. 5.
   Place one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process with four more sheets, stacking them on top of each other.
6. 6.
   Spread half of the spinach and cheese filling evenly over the stacked phyllo pastry sheets.
7. 7.
   Repeat the layering process with the remaining five sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
8. 8.
   Spread the remaining filling over the second layer of phyllo pastry.
9. 9.
   Fold the edges of the pastry inward to seal the filling.
10. 10.
    Brush the top of the pita with melted butter.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and crispy.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
13. 13.
    Serve warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Phyllo pastry — Handle the phyllo pastry gently to prevent it from tearing. Keep it covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from drying out.
• Croatian cottage cheese — If you can't find Croatian cottage cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta or farmer's cheese.
• Škripavac cheese — If škripavac cheese is not available, you can use feta cheese as a substitute.
• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves to remove any dirt or grit. You can also blanch the spinach briefly before sautéing it for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispier crust, brush each layer of phyllo pastry generously with melted butter.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can use olive oil instead of butter to brush the phyllo pastry.
• Experiment with different herbs such as basil or mint to add a unique twist to the filling.
• Serve the pita with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on the side for added creaminess.
• Leftover pita can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.

Serving advice

Croatian Spinach and Cheese Pita is best served warm. Cut it into slices and serve as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or as an appetizer for a gathering. It pairs well with a glass of Croatian white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, on top of the pita before serving. The vibrant green color of the herbs will add a pop of freshness to the dish.