Strandzhanka - Bulgarian Cheese and Egg Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 100g (3.5 oz) Bulgarian feta cheese, crumbled 100g (3.5 oz) Bulgarian feta cheese, crumbled
• 100g (3.5 oz) yellow cheese, grated 100g (3.5 oz) yellow cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
• 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• Sesame seeds, for topping Sesame seeds, for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Make a well in the center and pour in the warm milk. Mix gently until a sticky dough forms.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs, crumbled feta cheese, grated yellow cheese, and chopped herbs to the dough. Knead until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the melted butter while kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Shape the dough into a round loaf or braid it for a more decorative look.
9. 9.
   Brush the top of the loaf with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds over it.
10. 10.
    Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bulgarian feta cheese — Make sure to crumble the feta cheese into small pieces to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the bread.
• Yellow cheese — Opt for a semi-hard cheese with a mild flavor, such as Kashkaval or Gouda, for the best results.
• Fresh herbs — Use either parsley or dill, or a combination of both, based on your preference. Chop them finely to release their aroma and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of paprika or black pepper to the dough.
• Serve the Strandzhanka warm for the best taste and texture.
• If you prefer a more pronounced cheese flavor, you can increase the amount of cheese used in the recipe.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to create your own unique twist on this traditional dish.
• Leftover Strandzhanka can be toasted and enjoyed with butter or used as a base for sandwiches.

Serving advice

Slice the Strandzhanka into thick pieces and serve it as an appetizer, alongside a fresh salad, or as a side dish to complement soups or stews. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a delicious snack.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional chopped fresh herbs on top of the bread before serving. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a decorative bread basket to add a rustic touch.