TRADITIONAL MALESHEVO ZELNIK

 
The most delicious Macedonian dishes are prepared in the eastern part of Macedonia in the beautiful Malesevia region. Younger homemakers rediscover old recipes that have been written down or transmitted by word of mouth for generations, and put a lot of effort in their preparation so they can share them with their loved ones. Skilled and experienced homemakers of Berovo prepare the famous Malesevo pie, a unique specialty with unforgettable taste.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

– 1 kg flour

– 1 cube yeast (40 g)

– 1 tbs salt

– 1 tbs sugar

– water as needed (about 500 ml)

– oil for coating dough layers

For the filling:

– leeks

– white cheese

Preparation:

  1. Activate the yeast with a little lukewarm water, 1 tbs of sugar and some flour.
    Mix the flour with water and the risen yeast and add a tablespoon of salt.
  2. Knead a soft unsticky dough and let it rise for one hour. 
  3. Divide the dough into 5 small balls and one larger. Use a rolling pin to roll the pieces until they are only 1 millimeter thin.
    Put the rolled crusts on a sheet to dry until all pieces are rolled properly. 
  4. Roll the bigger piece a bit thicker and cover the oiled baking pan with it. Sprinkle the smaller crusts with crushed cheese and oil.
  5. Then, pick them up, and narrow them like an accordion. Put them on the bigger crust just as shown on the pic and fold the edges of the bigger crust over them leaving a hole in the center.
  6. Put some fried leeks and cheese in the middle of the pan and sprinkle flour on top. Let it rise for an hour and then bake it at 250°C.
  7. Once it is baked take it out from the oven and pour a mixture of 100 g of water and oil over the pie. Then, put it back in the oven for another 10 minutes for a perfect finish.

Thanks to balkon3 for the beautiful recipe.