Zeljanica sa Sirom i Krompirom
A savory pie featuring layers of thin dough filled with a delicious mixture of spinach (zelje), cheese (sir), and potatoes (krompir), baked until golden and crispy.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour(for the dough)
- 250 ml Lukewarm water(for the dough)
- 1 tsp Salt(for the dough)
- 50 ml Vegetable oil(for the dough and brushing)
- 500 g Fresh spinach (zelje)(chopped)
- 300 g Potatoes(boiled and mashed or finely diced)
- 200 g Feta cheese(crumbled)
- 2 large Eggs
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- to taste Salt(for the filling)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add lukewarm water and oil, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Prepare the filling: If using fresh spinach, blanch it quickly in boiling water, then drain thoroughly and chop. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess water. In a bowl, combine chopped spinach, mashed or diced potatoes, crumbled feta cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 3
Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions. Roll each portion very thinly into a large circle or rectangle, brushing each layer lightly with vegetable oil as you go.
- 4
Layer the rolled dough sheets in a greased baking pan (approx. 9x13 inches). For each layer, place a sheet of dough, brush with oil, then spread a thin layer of the spinach and cheese mixture. Continue layering until all dough and filling are used, ending with a layer of dough.
- 5
Brush the top layer generously with oil. Score the top of the pie into desired portions.
- 6
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- 7
Let the zeljanica cool slightly before cutting and serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the spinach is well-drained to prevent a soggy filling.
- ✓The thinner you roll the dough, the flakier the pie will be.
- ✓You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for extra flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Add sautéed leeks or onions to the filling.
- Substitute some of the feta with a milder white cheese.
- For a richer dough, you can add an egg yolk.