Serbian gibanica: Uncovering a Balkan flavour sensation

Balkan cuisine is rich with delicacies that will appeal to both Canadian and Polish palates. My family has fallen in love with gibanica. It's a traditional Serbian dish that initially consisted of thin layers of dough filled with cheese. Over time, the recipe has evolved, and various ingredients like vegetables or even meat have been added to the filling. Today, gibanica comes in numerous versions, both sweet and savoury. Similar snacks can be found in other Balkan countries, but the Serbian version has captured my family's hearts.

Gibanica is a quick dish to prepare. Simply layer ready-made phyllo dough sheets with cheese and bake. The type of cheese you use depends on the flavour you're aiming to achieve. You can combine feta, cottage cheese, or crumbled curd cheese. If you prefer a sweet snack, use sugar instead of salt.

The savoury version works well as a tasty appetizer, a warm dinner, or even a main course. The sweet gibanica, on the other hand, satisfies the craving for a dessert. It tastes somewhat like a cheesecake, but instead of a traditional crust, it uses flaky phyllo dough.

Ingredients:

• 4 sheets of phyllo dough
• 500 grams of cheese mix
• 200 grams of 18% cream
• 5 eggs
• Salt to taste
• Butter for greasing the pan

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, thoroughly mix all the cheeses, cream, and eggs. Season with salt to taste.
2. Grease the baking pan with butter.
3. Place the first sheet of phyllo dough at the bottom of the pan.
4. Brush it with a small amount of melted butter.
5. Repeat the process by adding subsequent layers of dough and spreading them with portions of the cheese mixture. The last layer should be dough.
6. Bake in an oven preheated to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 45-50 minutes until the top of the cake is golden and crispy.

Before serving, let the cake sit for a few minutes to cool down. Serve warm or cold with natural yogurt, fresh fruits, or honey.