Name: Banitsa
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Bulgaria
Ingredients: 1 package (16 oz / 450 g) phyllo dough; 4 eggs; 1 cup (240 g) plain yogurt; 1 1/2 cups (200 g) crumbled sirene or feta cheese; 1/2 cup (115 g) butter, melted; 1/2 cup (120 ml) sparkling water; 1/2 tsp baking soda

Where it comes from

Banitsa is a signature pastry of Bulgaria, eaten for breakfast with plain yogurt or ayran. It is also made at family celebrations, sometimes with tiny hidden notes for good luck.

Explore the cuisine of Bulgaria.

Recipe

Make Banitsa at home

Serves 8Time 1 hour

Ingredients

1 package (16 oz / 450 g) phyllo dough
4 eggs
1 cup (240 g) plain yogurt
1 1/2 cups (200 g) crumbled sirene or feta cheese
1/2 cup (115 g) butter, melted
1/2 cup (120 ml) sparkling water
1/2 tsp baking soda

How it's made

Heat the oven to 375 F (190 C) and butter a 9x13-inch pan.
Whisk eggs, yogurt, cheese and baking soda for the filling.
Lay a sheet of phyllo in the pan, brush lightly with butter, and spoon a little filling over it.
Repeat, scrunching or rolling sheets so they fit, until the filling is used up.
Brush the top with butter and pour sparkling water over for a lighter crust.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes until deep golden and puffed.
Rest 10 minutes and cut into squares.