Traditional Bulgarian Banitsa Recipe: Cheesy Phyllo Delight

Bulgarian Banitsa Delight

Bulgarian Banitsa is a classic, flaky, and indulgent pastry that is a staple in Bulgarian cuisine. This dish is a harmonious blend of crispy phyllo dough and a rich, savory filling of Bulgarian Sirene (Feta cheese), eggs, and yogurt. This expert-level recipe will take your taste buds on a Balkan journey, filled with layers of buttery, cheesy goodness. Perfect for a cozy dinner for two, this Banitsa is a testament to the comforting charm of Bulgarian culinary tradition.

Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert

Preparation Time: 25 minutes, Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 200 grams phyllo dough
• 100 grams Bulgarian Sirene (Feta cheese), crumbled
• 2 eggs
• 100 grams yogurt
• 1 gram baking soda
• 100 grams butter, melted
• 2 grams salt
• 2 grams dried oregano
• 2 grams dried thyme
• 2 grams dried parsley

Method

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
• In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled Bulgarian Sirene, eggs, yogurt, baking soda, salt, oregano, thyme, and parsley. Mix well to form a smooth filling.
• Carefully unroll the phyllo dough. Take two sheets and brush each with melted butter, stacking them on a baking dish.
• Spread a thin layer of the cheese-egg mixture over the buttered phyllo layers.
• Repeat the layering process until all the filling and phyllo dough is used, ending with a phyllo layer on top.
• Pour the remaining melted butter over the top of the Banitsa.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Remove the Banitsa from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips

• Ensure the phyllo dough is well-thawed before use to avoid tearing.
• Use a pastry brush for even butter distribution, which is critical for a crispy texture.
• Allow the Banitsa to cool slightly before cutting to let the filling set.

Nutritional Information