Prijesac
Prijesac is a type of savory pastry or pie, often made with layers of thin dough filled with cheese (usually a mix of young cheese and aged cheese) and sometimes spinach or other greens. It's a popular dish for gatherings and holidays, showcasing the rich dairy and agricultural traditions of Montenegro.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Flour
- 250 ml Warm Water
- 50 ml Vegetable Oil(for dough)
- 1 tsp Salt(for dough)
- 300 g Young Cheese (like Kajmak or fresh white cheese)(crumbled)
- 100 g Aged Cheese (like dried cheese or a sharp local cheese)(grated)
- 200 g Spinach (optional)(wilted and chopped)
- 2 large Eggs
- 100 g Butter(melted, for brushing layers)
- 1 for brushing top Egg Yolk
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the dough: Combine flour, salt, oil, and warm water. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- 2
For the filling: In a bowl, mix the young cheese, aged cheese, eggs, and spinach (if using). Season lightly if needed, considering the saltiness of the aged cheese.
💡 Tip: Ensure the young cheese is well-drained if it's very moist. - 3
Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions. Roll each portion very thinly into a large circle or rectangle.
💡 Tip: Work on a lightly floured surface. The thinner the dough, the flakier the Prijesac. - 4
Brush a baking dish with melted butter. Lay one sheet of dough, brush with butter, and repeat with remaining dough sheets, creating layers.
- 5
Spread the cheese filling evenly over the top layer of dough.
💡 Tip: Leave a small border around the edge. - 6
Fold the edges of the top dough layer over the filling. Brush the top with the egg yolk mixture.
- 7
Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
💡 Tip: If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil. - 8
Let it cool slightly before cutting and serving.
💡 Tip: Prijesac can be served warm or at room temperature.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a mix of fresh and aged cheese provides a balance of creaminess and sharp flavor.
- ✓The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.
- ✓Experiment with adding herbs like dill or parsley to the filling.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely chopped leeks or onions to the cheese filling.
- A sweet version can be made with sweetened cheese and raisins.