Serbian gibanica: The Balkan delicacy captivating Europe

Balkan cuisine is full of delights that will appeal to our palates too. My family has fallen in love with gibanica. It's a traditional Serbian dish that originally consisted of thin pastry layers filled with cheese. Over time, the recipe evolved, and various ingredients like vegetables or even meat began to be added to the filling. Today, gibanica can be found in many variants, both sweet and savoury. Similar snacks can be found in other Balkan countries, but the Serbian version has stolen my family's hearts.

Gibanica is truly a quick affair. Simply layer ready-made filo pastry sheets with cheese and bake. The cheese choice depends on the final result you want to achieve. It can be a mix of feta, cottage cheese, or crumbled curd cheese. Add sugar instead of salt if you wish to serve the snack sweet.

In its savoury form, it works as a delicious starter, warm supper, or even a main course. Sweet gibanica, on the other hand, will satisfy the craving for something sugary. It tastes a bit like cheesecake, where we have flaky filo pastry instead of a classic base.

Ingredients:

• 4 filo pastry sheets,
• 500 grams of cheese mix,
• 200 millilitres of 18% cream,
• 5 eggs,
• salt,
• butter for greasing the baking dish

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, carefully mix all the cheeses, cream, and eggs. Season with salt to taste.
2. Grease the baking dish with butter.
3. Place the first sheet of filo pastry at the bottom of the dish.
4. Brush it with a small amount of melted butter.
5. Repeat the process by layering the pastry and alternating with portions of the cheese mixture. The last layer should be pastry.
6. Bake in an oven preheated to 180 degrees Celsius for around 45-50 minutes, until the top of the pastry is golden and crispy.

Before serving, let the pie stand for a few minutes to cool. Serve warm or cold with natural yoghurt, fresh fruit, or honey.