Bannitsa (Bulgarian layered pie)
6 servings
60 minutes
Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian pie that holds a special place in the country's culinary culture. Its roots go deep into the history of the Balkans, and each family keeps its own preparation secrets. This layered pie is made from airy filo dough soaked in butter and filled with delicate feta cheese mixed with eggs. Its taste is a harmonious blend of salty cheese filling and a crispy golden crust that softens due to the final moisture. Banitsa is traditionally baked for holidays, family celebrations, and simply for cozy home tea gatherings. The pie is incredibly versatile: it can be served as a standalone dish, as an appetizer, or even as part of breakfast. The aroma of baking fills the home with warmth, making every meal special.
1
First, we thaw the phyllo dough (dough for baklava). Then we take the feta cheese and crush it with a fork or by hand into not too small pieces and add 3 eggs — it should be a thick mixture with lumps.
- Feta cheese: 300 g
- Chicken egg: 4 pieces
2
Now we take 2 sheets of dough and place them in a greased (any kind of oil, but butter tastes better) form. If there are edges left, they can be cut off or simply folded inside. Be sure to grease the sheets with oil so that the layers do not stick together! Take a teaspoon and dot the filling onto the sheets. 5-6 spoons will be enough since the pie has many layers; there won't be empty spaces without filling. Next, we place one sheet and repeat the procedure until the dough is finished (the last layer should be covered with a sheet of dough; do not leave the filling exposed).
- Filo dough: 1 piece
- Butter: 50 g
3
Now for the filling. You can do without it, but with it, the pie will be very juicy and soft. It's simple, pour one and a half cups of milk into a bowl with 1 egg, mix until smooth, and pour evenly over the pie.
- Milk: 1.5 glass
- Chicken egg: 4 pieces
4
Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for about 30-40 minutes, until a nice golden crust appears.
5
After taking it out of the oven, we take a bowl of water, spray it well with our hand, and cover it with a towel for 5-10 minutes so that the crust doesn't become too hard.
6
Cut into portions and serve warm.