Tikvenik is a traditional Bulgarian dessert, a sweet variation of the famous Banitza, but instead filled with pumpkin, making it particularly popular in the autumn and winter seasons, especially around Christmas.
Tikvenik Recipe:
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 package of filo pastry sheets
- 2 cups of grated pumpkin
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the grated pumpkin with sugar, walnuts, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
- Take one filo sheet, brush it with melted butter, and place a second sheet on top. Brush again with butter.
- Spread a thin layer of the pumpkin mixture along one edge of the filo sheets.
- Roll the sheets tightly into a log, then coil the log into a spiral shape.
- Place the spiral in a buttered baking dish. Repeat with the remaining filo sheets and pumpkin mixture until the dish is filled.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
Tikvenik is a delightful treat, with its flaky layers and sweet, spiced pumpkin filling offering a taste of Bulgarian tradition. It’s perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee on a crisp day, providing a comforting, festive flavor that’s sure to warm the soul.