Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g phyllo dough
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large baking dish
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
3. Add the onion, garlic, red and green bell peppers, and tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil and water together.
6. Unroll the phyllo dough and cut it into 2-inch strips.
7. Brush the bottom of the baking dish with the oil and water mixture.
8. Layer the phyllo dough strips in the baking dish, brushing each layer with the oil and water mixture.
9. Spread the ground beef mixture over the phyllo dough.
10. Layer the remaining phyllo dough strips on top of the ground beef mixture, brushing each layer with the oil and water mixture.
11. Brush the top layer with the remaining oil and water mixture.
12. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 380
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb or turkey can be substituted for the ground beef.
- Red or yellow onions can be used instead of white onions.
- Red or yellow bell peppers can be used instead of green bell peppers.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the ground beef mixture for added nutrition.
- Top the Sjenički Pita with crumbled feta cheese before baking for a Greek twist.
- Add chopped mushrooms to the ground beef mixture for added flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to brush each layer of phyllo dough with the oil and water mixture to prevent it from drying out.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the Sjenički Pita into slices once it has cooled slightly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat, place the Sjenički Pita in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the Sjenički Pita on a large platter with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for added flavor and color.
Pairings:
Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the phyllo dough tears while layering, simply patch it with another piece of phyllo dough.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
Food History:
Sjenički Pita is a traditional Serbian dish that originated in the town of Sjenica.
Flavor Profiles:
Sjenički Pita is savory and slightly spicy, with a crispy phyllo dough crust and a flavorful ground beef filling.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or as an appetizer for a party or gathering.
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Region: Croatian