Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. phyllo dough
- 1 lb. fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup Užice kajmak cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Užice kajmak cheese, milk, and eggs.
5. Add the spinach mixture to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Brush the bottom of the baking dish with melted butter.
8. Layer 5 sheets of phyllo dough on top of the butter, brushing each layer with melted butter.
9. Pour the spinach and cheese mixture on top of the phyllo dough.
10. Layer another 5 sheets of phyllo dough on top of the spinach mixture, brushing each layer with melted butter.
11. Repeat until all the phyllo dough and spinach mixture is used up.
12. Brush the top layer of phyllo dough with melted butter.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
14. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat per serving: 22g
Carbohydrates per serving: 27g
Protein per serving: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Užice kajmak cheese can be substituted with feta cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or lamb to the spinach mixture for a meaty version.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush each layer of phyllo dough with melted butter to ensure a crispy and flaky crust.
- Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pie on a platter with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the phyllo dough tears, simply patch it up with another layer of phyllo dough and brush with melted butter.
- If the top of the pie is browning too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils and surfaces that come into contact with raw spinach and eggs to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Food history:
Užice kajmak cheese is a traditional Serbian cheese made from cow's milk. It is similar to feta cheese but has a creamier texture.
Flavor profiles:
This pie is savory and cheesy with a crispy phyllo dough crust and a creamy spinach filling.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Serbian