Vrbovečka Pita with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground lamb 500g (1.1 lb) ground lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 10 sheets of phyllo pastry 10 sheets of phyllo pastry
• 100g (3.5 oz) melted butter 100g (3.5 oz) melted butter

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 28g (total), 12g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (total), 2g (sugars)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef and lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through.
4. 4.
   Stir in the paprika, dried thyme, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. 5.
   Brush a baking dish with melted butter.
6. 6.
   Place a sheet of phyllo pastry in the baking dish, brushing it with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering the phyllo sheets and brushing each layer with butter.
7. 7.
   Spread the meat mixture evenly over the top layer of phyllo pastry.
8. 8.
   Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with melted butter.
9. 9.
   Brush the top layer with melted butter and score the pastry lightly with a sharp knife.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

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 with it to prevent it from drying out.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture.
• Serve the Vrbovečka Pita with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a delicious next-day meal.
• Pair the Vrbovečka Pita with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Vrbovečka Pita warm, either as a main course accompanied by a side salad or as a delightful appetizer for a gathering. Cut it into individual portions and present it on a platter for easy serving.

Presentation advice

When serving the Vrbovečka Pita, garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves to add a pop of color. The golden-brown crust and visible layers of phyllo pastry make for an enticing presentation.