Holidays & Special Occasions
Zelnik
Ingredients
- - 400 g (14 oz) filo pastry sheets
- - 600 g (1.3 lb) white cabbage, finely shredded
- - 2 onions, finely chopped
- - 100 ml (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) sunflower oil, plus extra for layering
- - 1 tsp sweet paprika
- - Salt and black pepper, to taste
Method
- Sauté onion in oil until soft, then add shredded cabbage and cook down for 15-20 minutes until tender and lightly golden, seasoning with paprika, salt and pepper.
- Cool the filling slightly.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and oil a round baking tray.
- Brush a filo sheet with oil, add a portion of the cabbage filling, and fold or roll as with banitsa; repeat with remaining sheets and filling.
- Arrange in the tray and brush the top with oil.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Introduction: Zelnik is a savory phyllo pie filled with cabbage or leek, traditionally prepared for name day celebrations and festive gatherings, especially in regions where a hearty vegetable pie takes the place of a meat-based centerpiece.
Cultural Background: Zelnik is a savory phyllo pie filled with cabbage or leek, traditionally prepared for name day celebrations and festive gatherings, especially in regions where a hearty vegetable pie takes the place of a meat-based centerpiece.
Tips: Cook the cabbage filling down well so it isn't watery inside the pastry. This pie is a common alternative to banitsa for those avoiding dairy on fasting days.
Variations: Leek replaces cabbage in some regional versions (praz zelnik). Some cooks add a handful of rice to the filling for extra body. Naturally vegan as written.
Storage: Store covered at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness.
Nutrition: Approx. 240 kcal, 5g protein, 12g fat, 28g carbs per serving.
FAQs:
Q: Is zelnik always meatless?
A: Traditionally yes, making it popular for fasting periods and name-day tables alongside meat dishes.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw cabbage mix?
A: Yes, plain shredded white cabbage works well as a time-saving substitute.