Pite

Background and History

Pite, also known as "burek" or "byrek" in different regions, is a traditional dish widely enjoyed in the Balkans and Mediterranean. The word "pite" is derived from the Ottoman Turkish "börek," which signifies baked pastries made with phyllo dough. This dish has its roots stretching back to the Ottoman Empire and is loved for its versatility, as it can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, spinach, meat, or even potatoes. Pite is a beloved staple in Albanian and Bosnian cuisine, often served as a main dish or a snack and cherished during gatherings and family meals.

Ingredients

• Phyllo dough - 1 package
• Feta cheese - 200g
• Fresh spinach - 300g
• Eggs - 2
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Butter - 50g, melted

Preparation

Filling the Pite

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.

2. Add the spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. This should take about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.

3. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before transferring it to a mixing bowl.

4. Crumble the feta cheese into the spinach mixture and add eggs. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Assembling the Pite

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare your baking dish by brushing it with some melted butter.

2. Carefully lay a sheet of phyllo dough in the dish, letting the edges hang over the rim. Brush the sheet with melted butter.

3. Add another layer of phyllo dough, buttering each layer as you go. Repeat this process until you have 4 sheets layered.

4. Spread half of the filling mixture over the phyllo layers evenly.

5. Continue layering phyllo sheets, buttering each as you go. Once again layer 4 sheets.

6. Spread the remaining filling over the top of this second set of phyllo layers.

7. Finish with 4 more layers of phyllo dough, buttering the top generously.

8. Fold the overhanging edges neatly over the top of the pite and brush with more butter.

Cooking Process

1. Place the assembled pite in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. You can use a cooking timer to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

2. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

3. Cut the pite into portions and serve warm.

Enjoying Your Pite

Pite can be enjoyed as a satisfying main dish or a savory snack. It goes well with a cool yogurt dip or a fresh salad. It's perfect for family meals, gatherings, or even as a picnic treat. Its flaky layers and rich fillings are sure to delight your senses and invoke a sense of comfort and home no matter where you enjoy it.