Flija
Flija is a traditional layered pastry from Kosovo, consisting of thin crepes of batter alternated with a creamy mixture of yogurt, butter, and sometimes eggs. It's a labor-intensive dish, often prepared for special occasions, and is known for its unique texture and rich flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 5 cups All-purpose flour
- 5 large Eggs
- 2 tsp Salt
- 3.5 cups Milk(or a combination of milk and water)
- 4 cups Yogurt(full-fat, for the filling)
- 1 cup Butter(melted, for the filling)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, salt, and milk until smooth and lump-free. The consistency should be similar to thin pancake batter.
- 2
Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt and melted butter. Mix well until smooth.
- 3
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round oven-safe baking dish with butter.
- 4
Layer the flija: Pour a thin layer of the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. You can create a sunburst pattern by making lines of batter with triangular gaps in between.
- 5
Bake the first layer for about 5-7 minutes, or until set but not browned.
- 6
Brush a thin layer of the yogurt-butter filling over the baked batter.
- 7
Pour another thin layer of batter over the filling, again using the sunburst pattern.
- 8
Repeat steps 5-7, alternating between batter and filling layers, until you have used all the batter and filling. Aim for at least 10-12 layers.
- 9
Bake the final flija for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- 10
Let the flija rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It is traditionally served with yogurt or honey.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The traditional method involves cooking over an open fire or under a 'sac' (metal dome), which imparts a unique smoky flavor.
- ✓Work relatively quickly when layering to ensure even cooking.
- ✓Don't be afraid to experiment with the batter consistency; it should be pourable but not too thin.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include a bit of sour cream or kaymak in the filling for extra richness.
- Serve with ajvar (a roasted red pepper spread) for a savory option.