Quirky Foodster

Breakfast

Sirnica

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Ingredients

  • - 500 g (1.1 lb) filo pastry sheets (kora)
  • - 400 g (14 oz) fresh cottage cheese or curd cheese
  • - 2 large eggs
  • - 100 ml (3.4 fl oz / scant 1/2 cup) sunflower oil, plus extra for brushing
  • - 100 ml (3.4 fl oz / scant 1/2 cup) plain yogurt
  • - 1 tsp fine salt
  • - 1 tbsp semolina (optional, to bind filling)

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
  2. In a bowl, mash the cottage cheese with the eggs, yogurt, salt and semolina until well combined.
  3. Brush the baking tin with oil. Layer several filo sheets in the base, brushing lightly with oil between each.
  4. Scatter a portion of the cheese filling over the dough, then loosely scrunch 2-3 more sheets and place on top, repeating until filling and dough are used up.
  5. Brush the top generously with a mix of oil and yogurt.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until deep golden and crisp on top.
  7. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing into squares.

Introduction: Sirnica is a savoury baked cheese pastry from continental Croatia, closely related to the burek family of Balkan
pastries.

Cultural Background: Sirnica is a savoury baked cheese pastry from continental Croatia, closely related to the burek family of Balkan
pastries. Made with layers of thin filo-style dough (kora) wrapped around a filling of fresh cottage cheese and
eggs, it is a staple breakfast and bakery item across Zagreb and the Zagorje region, traditionally sold by the
slice in local pekare (bakeries) alongside its spinach cousin, zeljanica.

Tips: Keep filo covered with a damp cloth while working to stop it drying out. Day-old cheese pastry crisps up
beautifully when reheated in the oven rather than a microwave.

Variations: A vegan version can be made using firm silken tofu mashed with plant yogurt and nutritional yeast in place of
cheese and egg.

Storage: Keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 310 kcal, 14 g protein, 18 g fat, 24 g carbohydrate.

FAQs

Q: Can I use ready-made filo pastry?
A: Yes, shop-bought filo works well and is the most practical option outside Croatia.

Q: Is sirnica the same as burek?
A: It is part of the same pastry family, but Croatians distinguish sirnica (cheese) and zeljanica (spinach) from meat burek by name and filling.