Balkan Cheese Pie - Gibanica

Ingredients

• 10 sheets of phyllo pastry 10 sheets of phyllo pastry
• 200g (7oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 200g (7oz) cottage cheese 200g (7oz) cottage cheese
• 200g (7oz) ricotta cheese 200g (7oz) ricotta cheese
• 3 eggs, beaten 3 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup melted butter 1/4 cup melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, parsley, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. 3.
   Brush a baking dish with melted butter.
4. 4.
   Place a sheet of phyllo pastry in the baking dish, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. Brush the pastry with melted butter.
5. 5.
   Repeat the process with 4 more sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing each layer with melted butter.
6. 6.
   Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the layered phyllo pastry.
7. 7.
   Layer 4 more sheets of phyllo pastry on top of the cheese mixture, brushing each layer with melted butter.
8. 8.
   Spread the remaining cheese mixture over the second layer of phyllo pastry.
9. 9.
   Layer the last sheet of phyllo pastry on top, brushing it with melted butter.
10. 10.
    Fold the overhanging edges of the bottom layers of phyllo pastry over the top layer to create a neat edge.
11. 11.
    Brush the top of the pie with melted butter.
12. 12.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the pie is golden brown and crispy.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
14. 14.
    Cut into slices and serve warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Phyllo pastry — Make sure to keep the phyllo pastry sheets covered with a damp cloth while working with them to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add crumbled cooked bacon or sautéed onions to the cheese mixture.
• If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of feta cheese and increase the amount of cottage cheese.
• Leftover Gibanica can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Serve Gibanica with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for an extra creamy touch.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as mint or paprika, to customize the flavors according to your preference.

Serving advice

Gibanica is best served warm. Cut it into slices and serve it as a main dish for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch. Pair it with a fresh salad or a side of yogurt to complement the flavors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Gibanica, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, on top of the pie before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.