Banitsa - online puzzles

Online puzzle Banitsa

Banitsa

Banitsa (Bulgarian: баница), also transliterated as banica and banitza, is a traditional pastry dish made in Bulgaria. In various regions, this traditional pastry dish takes on different names. In Budjak, North Macedonia, and Southeastern Serbia, it is known as gibanica, also called milina by Bulgarians in Ukraine. Prepared by layering a mixture of whisked eggs, natural yogurt and pieces of white brined cheese between filo pastry and then baking it in an oven.

Traditionally in Bulgaria, lucky charms are put into the pastry on certain occasions, particularly on New Year's Eve. These charms may be coins or small symbolic objects (e.g., a small piece of a dogwood branch with a bud, symbolizing health or longevity). More recently, people have started writing happy wishes on small pieces of paper and wrapping them in tin foil. Wishes may include happiness, health, or success throughout the new year (similar to fortune cookies).

Banitsa is served for breakfast with plain yogurt, ayran, or boza. It can be eaten hot or cold. Some varieties include banitsa with spinach "спаначник" (spanachnik) or the sweet version, banitsa with milk "млечна баница" (mlechna banitsa) or pumpkin "тиквеник" (tikvenik).