Idrijski Željnk with Cottage Cheese and Horseradish
A savory pastry from the Idrija region, featuring a delicate dough filled with a mixture of cottage cheese, horseradish, and herbs. This is a hearty and flavorful dish, often served as a main course or a substantial appetizer.

🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g All-purpose flour
- 1 large Egg yolk
- 50 g Butter(cold, cubed)
- 50 g Sour cream
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 300 g Cottage cheese(drained)
- 2 tbsp Fresh horseradish(grated)
- 2 tbsp Fresh chives(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1 large Egg(for egg wash)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Make the dough: Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and sour cream, and mix until a dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth.
💡 Tip: Do not overwork the dough. - 2
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 3
Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese, grated horseradish, chopped chives, and parsley. Mix well.
💡 Tip: Adjust the amount of horseradish to your spice preference. - 4
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 5
Roll out the chilled dough thinly on a lightly floured surface. Cut into squares of about 10x10 cm.
💡 Tip: The dough should be very thin, almost translucent. - 6
Place a spoonful of the cottage cheese filling in the center of each dough square.
💡 Tip: Don't overfill, or the pastry might tear. - 7
Fold the dough diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Then, bring the two bottom corners together and press to seal, creating the characteristic 'željnk' shape.
💡 Tip: Ensure all edges are well sealed to prevent leakage. - 8
Place the formed željnk on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash.
💡 Tip: Egg wash gives a golden-brown finish. - 9
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- 10
Serve warm.
💡 Tip: These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to authentic Idrijski Željnk is the thin dough and the distinctive shape.
- ✓Using fresh horseradish provides the best flavor.
- ✓If you find the dough difficult to handle, let it rest a bit longer.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
- Serve with a side of sour cream for dipping.