How Traditional Greek Bougatsa Phyllo Pastry Is Made | Regional Eats

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: ricotta

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Ricotta offers a similar texture with fewer calories.

custard

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

ground meat

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: chickpeas

Lentils provide protein and fiber at a lower cost.

phyllo pastry

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pastry

💰Cheaper: homemade dough

Whole wheat adds nutrients and homemade can be more affordable.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add semolina to the melted butter and stir until lightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes.

Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove from heat and mix in sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest until smooth.

Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry in a greased baking dish, brushing with melted butter.

Repeat layering with more phyllo, brushing each layer with butter, until half of the phyllo is used.

Spread the semolina mixture evenly over the phyllo layers.

Top with remaining phyllo sheets, again brushing each with butter.

Score the top layers into squares to allow steam to escape during baking.

Bake for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

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