Transport your taste buds to the heart of Greece with Bougatsa, a delectable pastry that epitomizes the country's culinary richness. Originating from Thessaloniki, this beloved treat has captured the hearts and palates of locals and visitors alike. Bougatsa features layers of delicate phyllo dough, generously filled with a creamy custard or savory cheese filling, then baked to golden perfection. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast staple or a delightful dessert, each bite offers a perfect balance of flaky pastry and luscious filling, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that leave a lasting impression. Embark on a culinary journey through Greece and savor the irresistible charm of Bougatsa.

Here's a recipe for Greece's beloved Bougatsa:

Ingredients:

For the pastry:

• 1 package of phyllo dough (about 450g)
• 200g unsalted butter, melted

For the custard filling:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup fine semolina flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the cheese filling:

• 500g feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for a slightly sweetened version)

For assembly and topping:

• Powdered sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Prepare the Custard Filling:

1- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer.

2- In a bowl, whisk together the semolina flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth.

3- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.

4- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a custard-like consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Cheese Filling:

1- In a bowl, mix together the crumbled feta cheese, eggs, and sugar (if using) until well combined. Set aside.

Assemble the Bougatsa:

1- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2- Brush a baking dish with melted butter.

3- Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering about 6-8 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with butter.

Add the Filling:

1- Spread the custard filling evenly over the layered phyllo dough.

2- If making a cheese version, spread the cheese filling evenly over the custard layer.

Fold and Bake:

1- Fold the overhanging edges of the phyllo dough over the filling.

2- Layer another 6-8 sheets of phyllo dough on top of the filling, brushing each layer with melted butter.

3- Trim any excess phyllo dough from the edges of the baking dish.

4- Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of phyllo dough into serving-size squares or triangles.

5- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and crispy.

Serve:

1- Once baked, remove the Bougatsa from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

2- Dust the top with powdered sugar and ground cinnamon.

3- Serve warm, either as a dessert or a delightful breakfast treat.

Enjoy your homemade Bougatsa, filled with sweet custard or savory cheese – a true taste of Greece!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Bougatsa recipe:

Phyllo Dough (1 package - about 450g):

• Calories: 1,350 kcal
• Fat: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 225g
• Protein: 30g

benefits:Phyllo dough is made with minimal fat and contains no cholesterol. It provides complex carbohydrates for energy.

Butter (200g):

• Calories: 1,420 kcal
• Fat: 160g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Butter adds richness and flavor to the dish. It contains essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

Whole Milk (4 cups - about 960ml):

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 32g

benefits:Whole milk is a good source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins like vitamin D. It helps in bone health and provides energy.

Semolina Flour (1 cup):

• Calories: 601 kcal
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 129g
• Protein: 20g

benefits:Semolina flour is rich in protein and provides a good amount of energy. It also contains essential minerals like iron and magnesium.

Granulated Sugar (1 cup):

• Calories: 774 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 200g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:While granulated sugar is high in calories and provides quick energy, it should be consumed in moderation. It adds sweetness to the dish.

Eggs (6 large):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 36g

benefits:Eggs are an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium. They contribute to the structure and texture of the dish.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 12 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Vanilla extract adds flavor to the dish without adding extra calories. It contains small amounts of antioxidants.

Lemon Zest (Zest of 1 lemon):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus flavor and aroma to the dish. It contains vitamin C and antioxidants.

Feta Cheese (500g):

• Calories: 1,360 kcal
• Fat: 110g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 75g

benefits:Feta cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. It also provides essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and riboflavin. However, it is high in sodium and should be consumed in moderation.

Powdered Sugar and Ground Cinnamon (for topping):

• Negligible in terms of significant nutritional value.

benefits:These are used as toppings to add sweetness and flavor to the dish. They are low in calories but should be consumed in moderation.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific type of ingredient, and method of preparation. Additionally, the nutritional values provided are for the entire quantity of each ingredient listed, so individual servings may have different nutritional values.