Banitsa

Banitsa is a widespread Bulgarian dough dish, which is often present on the Bulgarian table in any of its multiple variants. It is prepared with dough sheets with various fillings. Sheets can be bought already prepared or they can be rolled out at home. The most widespread recipe for making banitsa is the one with filling of white cheese and eggs. Banitsa is usually included in breakfast menu. It is prepared according to the classic recipe – with a filling made of white cheese. It can be served with yogurt or a glass of cold buttermilk. According to the tradition, a banitsa with fortune slips is prepared for New Year’s Eve.

Ingredients:

• 500 g fine dough sheets,
• 4 eggs,
• 250 g white cheese,
• 1/2 glass of yogurt,
• 1/2 glass of sunflower oil or butter.

Crumble the cheese and mix it with the yogurt.  Add the eggs. Add fat of your choice (oil or butter). Shake the filling well. Flatten out the sheets and smear with some oil. Spread a part of the filling evenly on the entire sheet. Roll the sheet. Arrange the ready rolls in a tray in the shape of a spiral. Coat the banitsa with yolk and bake it in an oven until it looks golden. After baking, the banitsa shall be cut into pieces. It can be eaten hot, as well as cold. It is usually served with yogurt.