Banitza, also spelled as banitsa, is an emblematic dish of Bulgaria, a savory treat that is deeply intertwined with Bulgarian customs and celebrations. It is traditionally made with a combination of eggs and white brine cheese between layers of filo pastry.
Banitza Recipe:
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 1 hour Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 package of filo pastry dough
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup of yogurt
- 1/2 cup of sunflower oil or melted butter
- 1/2 pound of Bulgarian feta cheese, crumbled
- Butter for brushing
Instructions:
- Prepare Filling:
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and yogurt. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese.
- Assemble Banitza:
- Lay out one sheet of filo dough on a clean work surface and brush with oil or melted butter. Place a second sheet on top and brush again. Spread some of the cheese mixture along the longer edge of the dough.
- Roll the dough into a log, starting from the edge with the filling. Coil the log into a snail shape and place it in the center of a greased baking dish.
- Repeat with remaining filo sheets and filling, wrapping new rolls around the center coil until the dish is filled.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Banitza for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve Banitza warm as a hearty breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a side dish. It’s a versatile food that can also include spinach, meat, or pumpkin, depending on the variation. In Bulgaria, it’s a tradition to serve Banitza with a glass of ayran or boza. Enjoy this flaky, cheesy delight and let it transport you to the heart of the Balkans.