Zelnik so Praz i Sirenje (Macedonian Crispy Spiraled Leek & White Cheese Pastry) – Authentic North Macedonia Recipe
Sweet caramelized leeks and tangy white cheese baked inside crisp, buttery Macedonian pastry layers.
- Country of Origin
- 🇲🇰 North Macedonia (Southern Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- vegetarian
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Flaky golden pastry layers, Sweet butter-sautéed leeks, Crumbled sheep sirene/feta cheese, Eggs, Yogurt
Ingredients for Zelnik so Praz i Sirenje (Macedonian Crispy Spiraled Leek & White Cheese Pastry) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) flaky golden pastry layers, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups sweet butter-sautéed leeks, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup crumbled sheep sirene/feta cheese
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with eggs
- 1.5 tbsp traditional North Macedonia seasoning (yogurt, nutmeg pinch, sunflower/olive oil)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) and lightly oil an ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, eggs, and yogurt, nutmeg pinch, sunflower/olive oil for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine flaky golden pastry layers and sweet butter-sautéed leeks with the sautéed aromatics and layer evenly into the baking dish.
- Top with crumbled sheep sirene/feta cheese and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm at the table.