Pita Zeljanica

Pita Zeljanica

Zeljanica (zeh-LYAH-nee-tsah)

Spinach Phyllo Pie

Prep Time 45 min
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 330 kcal

Spiraling layers of hand-pulled phyllo dough filled with wilted spinach and tangy feta cheese, baked to flaky perfection.

Nutrition & Info

320 kcal per serving
Protein 14.0g
Carbs 28.0g
Fat 18.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ dairy

Equipment Needed

large round baking pan rolling pin large surface for stretching dough

Presentation Guide

Vessel: round baking pan, sliced

Garnishes: sesame seeds

Accompaniments: yogurt, sour cream

Instructions

  1. 1

    Make dough: mix flour, water, salt. Knead until smooth. Divide into 8 balls, rest 30 min.

  2. 2

    Wilt spinach, squeeze out all water. Mix with feta, 1 egg, salt, pepper.

  3. 3

    Stretch each dough ball paper-thin on a floured cloth.

  4. 4

    Brush with oil, spread spinach filling in a line, roll into a long rope.

  5. 5

    Coil the rope into an oiled round pan, continuing with each piece to form a spiral.

  6. 6

    Brush top with beaten egg and oil. Bake at 190C for 35-40 min until golden.

💡

Did You Know?

In Bosnian families, the ability to stretch pita dough thin enough to read a newspaper through it is a mark of culinary mastery.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • large round baking pan
  • rolling pin
  • large surface for stretching dough

Garnishing

sesame seeds

Accompaniments

yogurt, sour cream

The Story Behind Pita Zeljanica

Zeljanica belongs to the pita family of Bosnian phyllo pies, each named for its filling. The art of stretching dough by hand is passed from mother to daughter, and pita-making gatherings are social events in rural Bosnia.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed breakfast or lunch 📜 Origins: Ottoman era

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