Bosnian Pita, a beloved traditional pastry, delights with its flaky phyllo layers encasing flavorful fillings such as seasoned ground meat, cheese, spinach, or potato. A symbol of Bosnian cuisine, this savory treat is cherished for its rich taste and cultural significance in the Balkan region.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500g phyllo pastry sheets (also known as filo dough or yufka)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup vegetable oil
For the filling:
- 500g ground beef (you can also use lamb, veal, or a combination of meats)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
-
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
-
Prepare the filling:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and continue sautéing for another minute or so until the garlic releases its aroma.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Season the meat with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- Once the filling is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
-
Assemble the Pita:
- Lay out one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean, flat surface. Brush it with the water and oil mixture (a combination of 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup vegetable oil).
- Place another sheet of phyllo on top of the first one and brush it with the water and oil mixture as well. Repeat this process until you have about 5-6 sheets layered on top of each other.
- Add the filling:
- Spread a portion of the meat filling along one edge of the phyllo pastry sheets, leaving some space on the sides to fold in.
- Carefully roll the pastry over the filling to create a long, cylindrical shape. You can also fold the sides inward as you roll to seal the Pita.
-
Shape the Pita:
- You can shape the Pita in various ways, such as a spiral, a horseshoe, or simply as a straight cylinder. Place the Pita on a greased baking tray with the seam side down.
-
Repeat the process:
- Continue making Pita with the remaining phyllo pastry and filling until you have used up all the ingredients.
-
Bake the Pita :
- Brush the tops of the Pita with a little more of the water and oil mixture to give them a golden color while baking.
- Bake the Pita in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
-
Serve:
- Pita is traditionally served hot and can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of plain yogurt.
Note: You can also make Pita with other fillings, such as cheese, spinach, or potato, following a similar process for assembling and baking.
Enjoy your delicious Bosnian Pita!
You can try our other recipes too for a yummy taste bud, Have a good day or evening