Traditional Bulgarian Tikvenik (Pumpkin Banitsa)

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: ricotta

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Ricotta offers a lighter texture while cottage cheese is more economical.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and adds a distinct flavor.

Cut the pumpkin into pieces and peel the hard skin.

Shred the pumpkin.

Add 3 tablespoons of sugar to the shredded pumpkin (more can be added for sweetness).

Add vanilla extract and cinnamon to the mixture.

Add 1 egg and walnuts to the pumpkin mixture and mix well.

Prepare baking sheets to prevent sticking.

Use two sheets of banana dough, applying oil between the sheets.

Roll the filling inside the banana dough to form a spiral.

Repeat the process to make another roll and place it in the pan as a spiral.

Brush the top with butter and sprinkle some water on it.

Preheat the oven to 200°C (350°F).

Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, checking if it needs more time.

Remove from the oven when golden brown and crispy, and finish with powdered sugar.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens