Welcome to the heart of Bulgarian culinary tradition, where layers of flaky pastry embrace a symphony of flavors in the beloved dish known as Banitsa. Originating from Bulgaria, Banitsa is a cherished pastry that has woven itself into the fabric of the country's gastronomic identity. This delectable treat is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of culinary heritage and a testament to the creativity embedded in Bulgarian kitchens.

In this culinary journey, we'll explore the art of crafting the perfect Banitsa, unraveling the secrets of its golden, crispy layers and discovering the delightful blend of fillings that make each bite a symphony of taste. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Bulgarian flavors and learn to create an authentic Banitsa that will transport you straight to the heart of Bulgaria. Get ready to embrace the warmth of tradition and the joy of savoring every mouthful of this iconic Bulgarian delight.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sunflower oil
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg (for brushing)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1-In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.

2-In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, milk, and sunflower oil.

3-Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms.

4-Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Make the Filling:

1-In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta, yogurt, and eggs.

2-Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

3-Add chopped fresh herbs if desired and mix well.

Assemble the Banitsa:

1-Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2-Divide the dough into several equal parts.

3-Roll out each portion into a thin sheet, ensuring it's large enough to cover the bottom of your baking dish.

4-Place a layer of dough in a greased baking dish, allowing the edges to hang over the sides.

5-Spread a portion of the yogurt and feta filling evenly over the dough.

6-Continue layering dough and filling until you run out, finishing with a layer of dough on top.

Bake:

1-Beat an egg and brush it over the top layer of dough for a golden finish.

2-Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40-45 minutes or until the Banitsa is golden brown and crispy.

Serve:

1-Allow the Banitsa to cool for a few minutes before slicing.

2-Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful layers of this Bulgarian treat with the unique addition of yogurt in the filling.

This Bulgarian Banitsa variation combines the classic flaky layers with the creamy richness of yogurt, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any special occasion, this Banitsa recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Nutritional Values

It's challenging to provide precise nutritional values without specific brands and variations of the ingredients. However, I can offer approximate values based on general nutritional information. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and may vary based on the specific products you use.

Nutritional Values (Approximate per serving):

Dough:

All-Purpose Flour (4 cups):

• Calories: 1600 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 340g
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 4g

Benefits: Rich in carbohydrates for energy, contains some protein, and provides essential minerals like iron and B-vitamins.

Plain Yogurt (1 cup):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 4g

Benefits: Good source of probiotics for gut health, rich in protein, calcium, and B-vitamins, contributes to bone health.

Milk (1 cup):

• Calories: 80 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 2g

Benefits: Excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, promotes bone health, supports overall growth and development.

Sunflower Oil (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 960 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 108g

Benefits: Acts as a leavening agent in baking, helps dough rise, and contributes to the texture of the final product.

Baking Soda (1 tsp):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Salt (1 tsp):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Benefits: Enhances flavor, regulates fluid balance in the body, and contains essential minerals like sodium and chloride.

Egg (1 for brushing):

• Calories: 70 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g

Benefits: Adds a golden finish, provides protein, essential amino acids, and various vitamins and minerals.

Filling:

Feta Cheese (2 cups):

• Calories: 800 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 64g

Benefits: Rich in calcium and protein, contains healthy fats, and provides essential vitamins like vitamin B12.

Plain Yogurt (1 cup):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 4g

Benefits: Same as mentioned above - contributes to gut health, rich in protein, calcium, and B-vitamins.

Eggs (2):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 10g

Benefits: Excellent source of protein, essential amino acids, and various vitamins, including B-vitamins.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• Calories: Varies (negligible)

Benefits: Enhance flavor, add taste to the dish.

Optional: Chopped Fresh Herbs (such as parsley or dill):

• Calories: Varies (negligible)

Benefits: Add flavor, aroma, and a nutritional boost; herbs may contain antioxidants and essential nutrients.

Total Estimated Nutritional Values per Serving:

• Calories: Approximately 4740 kcal
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 454g
• Protein: Approximately 156g
• Fat: Approximately 313g

Keep in mind that these values are rough estimates, and the actual nutritional content may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods. It's always advisable to refer to the nutritional information on product packaging for the most accurate details.