Maslenica (Layered Bosnian Pita)
Maslenica is a type of Bosnian pita characterized by its many thin, flaky layers, often made with a simple dough and enriched with butter or oil. It's a versatile dish that can be filled with various ingredients, though it's often enjoyed simply with a drizzle of butter and oil, or served alongside savory dishes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 250 ml Warm water(approximately)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 150 ml Vegetable oil or melted butter(for brushing and layers)
- Optional filling(e.g., cheese, spinach, or meat)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water while mixing to form a soft, pliable dough. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Lightly flour a clean surface (a tablecloth is traditional for stretching). Take one dough ball and roll it out as thinly as possible, or stretch it by hand until it's almost transparent. If it tears, it's okay for this type of pita.
- 3
Brush the stretched dough generously with oil or melted butter. If using a filling, spread a thin layer over one-third of the dough. Fold that third over the filling. Brush again with oil/butter. Fold the remaining third over, creating a layered rectangle. Repeat this process for all dough portions, layering them on top of each other in a greased baking dish, brushing each layer with oil/butter.
- 4
Alternatively, for a simpler Maslenica without filling, after stretching and brushing with oil/butter, fold the dough into thirds, then in half, creating a square or rectangular shape. Place into a greased baking dish, brushing the top generously with oil/butter.
- 5
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- 6
Optional: After baking, you can lightly splash the top with water and cover with a clean kitchen towel for a few minutes to soften the crust slightly. Serve warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a tablecloth for stretching the dough helps achieve very thin layers.
- ✓Don't worry if the dough tears during stretching; it's a characteristic of Maslenica.
- ✓Ensure generous amounts of oil or butter between layers for flakiness.
🔄 Variations
- Fillings can include crumbled feta cheese, sautéed spinach and cheese, or seasoned ground meat.
- Some recipes use a mix of butter and oil for richness.
- A drizzle of sour cream or yogurt can be added to the filling.