Instructions

How To Make Pita Zeljanica Dough

As it usually goes, we need to start with the dough. If possible, it would be great to sift the flour because then the dough becomes fluffier

1. Add 1/3 teaspoon of salt to the flour, and then add the warm water. Note: There is a difference when using cold vs. warm water. If you add cold water, then you will need to wait longer for the dough to rest (around 1.5 to 2 hours), but the dough will be easier to stretch out.  If you use warm water, then the dough will be ready for use in around half an hour. If you choose the faster version, there is just one trick you need to know (it’s written below, so do not worry)
2. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes well mixed, and it stops sticking to the bowl. If needed feel free to add some more flour until it is no longer sticky
3. Transfer the dough to your working station and shape it in a round ball. I have to cut the dough in 3 pieces because I don’t have the large working station, but if you have a large table, there is no need for that
4. Leave the dough to rest on an oiled plate for at least half an hour – be sure to brush the top of the dough with oil, so it does not dry out
5. After half an hour the dough is ready for stretching. On your working station lay out a kitchen cloth that will cover the whole working surface, and dust it with some flour, also dust your hands and the dough
6. Using a rolling pin stretch the dough as thin as you can
7. Fast version only: here comes the trick I mentioned earlier, warm some oil and splash a little of it over the dough, and using your hands spread it all over the dough evenly
8. Now you need to stretch the dough to its maximum. Just tuck your hands under the dough and carefully and easily pull them out with your palms turned up, touching the dough only with the tops of your fingers. Repeat this all over the dough until you stretch it in every direction
9. If you didn’t manage to stretch the outer line of the dough just cut it off using a knife

Pita Zeljanica Filling

1. For the filling add the washed and chopped spinach together with the cottage cheese, sour cream, and a little salt
2. Spread the filling over the dough and using the cloth, roll the dough (refer to pictures in the blog post)
3. Oil a baking tray with the vegetable oil (you can also use pig fat or butter) and transfer the “pita” to the trap, making a spiral shape starting from the middle of the tray (refer to pictures in the blog post)

Cooking The Pita Zeljanica

1. Bake the pita in a warmed oven (200°C/390°F) for 30 minutes
2. Five minutes before the end, take the pie out and brush it over with milk (5-6 tbsp) just to make the crust not too crunchy
3. Cook the pie for the last 5 minutes, and when the pie is done leave to rest for ten minutes to cool down  – just to allow the hot cottage cheese to cool enough to enjoy
4. Serve your spinach pita while it’s still warm with a dollop of sour cream, yogurt or just enjoy in the “pita zeljanice” by itself