Balkan Potato Pie

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 250g (8.8 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 250g (8.8 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 250g (8.8 oz) cottage cheese 250g (8.8 oz) cottage cheese
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 15g (9g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• 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, beaten eggs, milk, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, and dill. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.
4. 4.
   Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish, slightly overlapping each other.
5. 5.
   Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the potatoes, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
6. 6.
   Repeat the layers of potatoes and cheese mixture until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the paprika evenly over the top layer of potatoes.
8. 8.
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. 9.
   Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
10. 10.
    Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into slices and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking throughout the pie.
• Feta cheese — Opt for a good quality feta cheese for the best flavor. If desired, you can substitute it with a milder cheese like mozzarella or cheddar.
• Cottage cheese — If cottage cheese is not available, ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute.
• Fresh herbs — Using fresh parsley and dill adds a vibrant flavor to the pie. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, brush the top layer of potatoes with melted butter before baking.
• Feel free to add other ingredients to the cheese mixture, such as sautéed onions or cooked spinach, to customize the flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a delicious next-day meal.
• Serve the Balkan Potato Pie with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
• Pair the pie with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Balkan Potato Pie warm as a main course, accompanied by a side salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken.

Presentation advice

To present the Balkan Potato Pie, cut it into neat slices and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for an added touch of freshness. Serve it on rustic dinnerware to enhance the homely and comforting feel of the dish.