Bulgarian banitsa

Welcome to the wonderful world of cooking! Today, I will take you on a fascinating journey of preparing a delicious recipe - Bulgarian Banitsa. This cheese and green onion pie is not only a delight but also a perfect choice for a hearty breakfast or a savory snack. It is a simple recipe, yet full of flavors, that will surely bring a smile to anyone who enjoys it. Let's get started!

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking soda dissolved in vinegar
- 250 ml water

For the filling:
- 400 g Bulgarian cheese (we recommend Covalact cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 1 bunch of fresh green onions
- 1 egg
- Salt, to taste

Preparation steps

Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and the baking soda dissolved in vinegar. The latter will help achieve a fluffier dough. Mix the dry ingredients well to combine evenly. Gradually add the water, stirring continuously with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a smooth dough. Don't forget to check the consistency - the dough should be elastic but not too hard or sticky. If it is too soft, add a little more flour, and if it is too hard, a splash of water.

Step 2: Dividing and rolling out the dough
Once the dough is well kneaded, cover it with a clean towel and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, divide the dough into 8 equal balls. On a floured surface, roll each ball of dough into a very thin sheet, almost transparent. It is essential to make it as thin as possible to achieve a crispy texture.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
In a separate bowl, add the crumbled Bulgarian cheese, finely chopped green onion, and the egg. Mix the composition well and add salt to taste. The flavor of the cheese varies, so make sure to check and adjust the salt according to personal preferences.

Step 4: Assembling the banitsa
On each rolled-out sheet of dough, place a portion of the cheese filling, leaving a margin of about 2 cm. Roll the sheet, making sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. If you wish, you can fold them into semicircles or leave them rectangular.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and grease it with a little butter. Place the banitsas on the tray, leaving enough space between them, then brush them with beaten egg to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they are nicely browned.

Chef's tip
To achieve a unique flavor and texture, you can add herbs such as dill or parsley to the cheese filling. Also, experiment with different types of cheese to adapt the recipe to your personal tastes.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A serving of Bulgarian banitsa contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of cheese used. This pie is a good source of protein due to the cheese, and the green onion brings essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with feta cheese, ricotta, or even cottage cheese, depending on personal preferences.

2. How can I keep the banitsas fresh?
They are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. What can I serve with the banitsas?
Banitsas pair perfectly with natural yogurt or sour cream, but also with a fresh salad for a light and nutritious lunch.

A personal note
To add a touch of nostalgia, I encourage you to prepare this recipe together with loved ones. Cooking becomes a memorable experience when shared, and each banitsa can be personalized with a special ingredient chosen by each family member. Feel free to experiment and add your own story to each pie!

I hope you enjoy this Bulgarian banitsa recipe and that it becomes a family favorite. Cooking is an art filled with love, and each bite of this pie will bring a touch of warmth to your heart! Enjoy!