Banitsa (Bulgarian: баница, also transliterated as banica and banitza) is prepared by layering a mixture of whisked eggs, natural yogurt and pieces of feta cheesebetween filo pastry and then baking it in an oven.
Traditionally, lucky charms are put into the pastry on certain occasions, particularly on New Year 's Eve. These charms may be coins or small symbolic objects (e.g., a small piece of a dogwood branch with a bud, symbolizing health or longevity). More recently, people have started writing happy wishes on small pieces of paper and wrapping them in tin foil. Wishes may include happiness, health, or success throughout the new year (similar to fortune cookies ).
Banitsa is served for breakfast with plain yogurt, ayran, or boza. It can be eaten hot or cold. Some varieties include banitsa with spinach "спаначник" (spanachnik) or the sweet version, banitsa with milk "млечна баница" (mlechna banitsa) or pumpkin "тиквеник" (tikvenik).
Etymology
The Bulgarian word баница derives from the Old Bulgarian гъбнѫти meaning "to fold." The word developed from the Proto-Slavic form *гыбаница > *гъбаница > *гбаница > баница.
Traditionally, banitsa is made with homemade or commercially made pastry sheets that are prepared from a baker 's hard dough including flour, eggs, and water.
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