Macedonian Pastrmajlija with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 2 red bell peppers 2 red bell peppers
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal / 1760 kJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugar: 3g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the skin is charred and blistered. Remove from the oven and let them cool. Once cooled, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and slice the peppers into thin strips.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the sliced pork, paprika, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well to ensure the pork is evenly coated with the spices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into an oval shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. 6.
   Place the dough ovals on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated pork slices, sliced onions, roasted red pepper strips, and crumbled feta cheese on top of the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For best results, choose a well-marbled piece of pork shoulder as it will become tender and juicy when cooked.
• Red bell peppers — Roasting the peppers enhances their flavor and adds a smoky element to the dish. Make sure to remove the skin and seeds before slicing.
• Feta cheese — Opt for a high-quality feta cheese for its creamy and tangy taste. If unavailable, you can substitute it with a similar crumbly cheese like goat cheese or queso fresco.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• Experiment with different toppings such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs to customize the flavors to your liking.
• Serve Pastrmajlija with a side of fresh salad or yogurt for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to regain their crispiness.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinated pork.

Serving advice

Pastrmajlija is best served hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and serve as a main course or as a delightful snack. Pair it with a fresh salad or a dollop of yogurt to balance the flavors.

Presentation advice

Present Pastrmajlija on a wooden cutting board or a decorative platter to showcase its rustic charm. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. The golden-brown crust and vibrant toppings will make it an eye-catching centerpiece.