The banitsa recipe is a beloved and famous Bulgarian and Balkans pie. Each bite of this wholesome, buttery, cheesy piece will delight your stomach. This is a great choice for parties, celebrations, and large gatherings. It is also very filling.
Banitsa Recipe
Enjoy this delicious and filling Bulgarian pastry recipe. Treat your loved ones, family and friends to a slice.
What is Banitsa?
Banitsa, a wonderful baked pastry made from rolled filo pastry and filled with cheese, eggs, and yogurt, are integral to Bulgarian food.
This dish is a symbol of Bulgarian tradition and cuisine. It is usually prepared on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Lucky charms are similar to fortune cookies and are often added to the dish before baking. This symbolizes long life and good health.
Ingredients
You will need these ingredients to make your banana.
Filo (Phyllo), Dough – 6 sheets*
Feta – 300 grams (10.5 oz), crumbled
Butter 100g (7 tbsp), Cut into small cubes.
Eggs – 4
Greek Yoghurt (10%) 150g (5.2 oz, or approximately 1/2 cup).
Whole Milk 200ml (3/4 cup and 2 tbsp).
Sunflower Oil (Light Olive Oil or other neutral-tasting oils) – 30ml (2 tbsp).
Baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 Mix the eggs, oil, baking soda, and yogurt in a medium-sized bowl.
Mix everything well, and ideally, add a whisk.
Mix it until you get a yellow-colored mixture.
Step 2 Add the crumbled Feta cheese to the egg-yogurt mix. We prefer to crumble our feta with a fork than buy pre-crumbled.
Step 3 Add some of the egg-cheese mixes to each filo sheet. Using our measurements and a 9-inch skillet, add about 1/3 of the egg-cheese mix to each filo dough sheet.
Step 4 Add small cubes of butter to each filo dough sheet. Using our measurements, each filo sheet will need 1/6th of the butter. Roll each sheet as shown below.
Step 5
Repeat the process with each roll of filo dough.
Step 6 Mix the milk and the egg using a whisk or a fork.
Step 7 Pour the egg-milk mixture over the banitsa.
Step 8: Using a fork, poke holes in the banitsa to absorb the milk more effectively.
Step 9 Preheat oven to 180degC (360degF). Place the banitsa into the oven for approximately 50 minutes. It should be placed on a lower shelf to prevent it from burning the top. It is worth checking on it now and again.
Your banitsa is ready for you to serve.
Banita is a visually striking dish. Although it can be baked in squares, the authentic spiral bake is more captivating with its golden brown hues and flaked crust.
Instructions
Mix the eggs, oil, baking soda and yogurt with a spoon or a fork in a medium-sized bowl.
The egg-yogurt mixture should be topped with the crumbled Feta cheese.
Add some of the egg-cheese mixes to each filo sheet. Using our measurements and a 9-inch skillet, you will need to use approximately 1/6 of the egg cheese mixture on each filo dough sheet.
Make small cubes of butter for each filo dough sheet. If you use our measurements again, you will need to use 1/6 of the butter per filo dough sheet.
Place each sheet of filo dough in a round baking pan.
Use a whisk or a fork to combine the milk and the egg yolk.
Place the egg-milk mixture on top of the banitsa.
Make sure to poke holes in the banitsa with a fork.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F). Place the banitsa into the oven for approximately 50 minutes. To avoid burning the top, place it on a lower shelf. Your banitsa will be ready when it is done. It should have a golden brown crusted exterior and can now be served to your family members or dinner guests.
