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    Home / Balkan Kitchen / Zeljanica

    Zeljanica

    Zeljanica is a savory phyllo pie generously filled with spinach, white cheese, and eggs.

    ⏱ 30 minPrep time
    🔥 40 minCook time
    🍽 8Servings
    🏷 Balkan KitchenCategory
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    Zeljanica is a savory phyllo pie generously filled with spinach, white cheese, and eggs. The filling stays moist and herbal while the pastry turns deep golden and flaky.

    A springtime favorite across the Balkans, zeljanica is served warm as a meal with yogurt or as part of a festive spread. It is the leafy green cousin of gibanica and burek.

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    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Wilt the spinach in a hot dry pan, then squeeze it dry and chop.
    2. Beat the eggs, yogurt, salt, and pepper; stir in the spinach, cheese, and scallions.
    3. Butter a baking dish. Brush phyllo sheets with oil, lay half of them in the dish, and spread the filling over.
    4. Cover with the remaining oiled sheets, tuck in the edges, and brush with melted butter.
    5. Bake 35-40 minutes, until deep golden and crisp. Rest 10 minutes, slice, and serve warm.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    Squeeze every drop of moisture from the spinach so the pastry stays crisp. A second brush of melted butter mid-bake deepens the golden color.

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    Recipe details

    Prep30 min
    Cook40 min
    Servings8
    CategoryBalkan Kitchen
    PublishedAugust 17, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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