Breakfast
Bosnian Breakfast Cheese Pita
Ingredients
- - 400 g (14 oz) filo pastry sheets
- - 400 g (14 oz) fresh white cheese or crumbled feta
- - 200 g (7 oz) cottage cheese
- - 2 large eggs
- - 100 ml (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) sunflower oil
- - 1 tsp salt
- - 200 ml (3/4 cup) plain yogurt, for serving
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and oil the baking pan.
- In a bowl, mash the white cheese and cottage cheese together with the eggs and half the oil until
- combined.
- Lay one filo sheet flat, brush lightly with oil, and spoon a thin line of filling along one edge.
- Roll loosely into a long rope, then coil it into a spiral in the centre of the pan.
- Repeat with remaining sheets and filling, coiling each rope outward to fill the pan.
- Brush the top generously with remaining oil.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until deep golden and crisp.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing into wedges. Serve with cold plain yogurt.
Introduction:
Sirnica is the cheese-filled member of the beloved Bosnian pita family, a coiled filo pastry rooted in
Ottoman pastry traditions and central to Bosnian home baking. It’s a breakfast staple served with plain
yogurt, especially popular during Ramadan mornings before the daily fast begins.
Cultural Background:
Sirnica is the cheese-filled member of the beloved Bosnian pita family, a coiled filo pastry rooted in Ottoman pastry traditions and central to Bosnian home baking. It’s a breakfast staple served with plain yogurt, especially popular during Ramadan mornings before the daily fast begins.
Tips:
Keep unused filo sheets covered with a damp towel so they don’t dry out and crack. Loosely rolled ropes give the classic airy, flaky layers.
Variations:
Add chopped fresh spring onion to the filling for extra flavour. Substitute a mix of feta and ricotta for a milder taste.
Vegetarian/Vegan:
Fully vegetarian as written.
Storage:
Keeps refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat slices in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition:
Approx. 385 kcal, 14 g protein, 28 g carbohydrate, 24 g fat per serving (1 wedge).
FAQs:
Q: Can I use store-bought filo?
A: Yes, standard supermarket filo works well; just keep it well covered while working.
Q: Is this the same as burek?
A: Burek traditionally refers to the meat-filled version; the cheese version is properly called sirnica.
Q: Can I freeze it unbaked?
A: Yes, assemble in the pan, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month; bake from frozen adding 15 extra minutes.