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Pastrmalija facts for kids

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Pastrmalija
Pastrmajlija
Type Pie
Course Main
Place of origin North Macedonia
Region or state Štip, Sveti Nikole, Veles
Main ingredients Dough, meat
Food energy
(per serving)
1000 kcal (4187 kJ)

Pastrmalija (pronounced past-ra-MA-lee-ya) is a delicious bread pie from North Macedonia. It's a popular dish made from soft dough and topped with small pieces of meat. This tasty pie is usually shaped like an oval.

The name Pastrmalija comes from the word pastrma. This word means salted and dried meat, often from sheep or lamb. It's similar to a Turkish dish called İçli Pide. Even though its official name is Pastrmalija, many people in Macedonia call it "pastrmajlija" by adding a "j".

What is Pastrmalija?

Pastrmalija is a type of savory pie. It's made with a special dough that's baked until golden. The most important part is the meat topping. This meat is usually pork, but sometimes lamb or beef is used. The meat is cut into small cubes and placed on the dough before baking.

How is Pastrmalija Made?

Making Pastrmalija starts with preparing the dough. It's similar to pizza dough. Once the dough is ready, it's shaped into an oval. Then, the small pieces of meat are spread evenly over the top. Sometimes, a little bit of fat or oil is added to make it extra juicy. The pie is then baked in a hot oven until the dough is cooked and the meat is tender.

A Traditional Macedonian Dish

Pastrmalija is a very important part of Macedonian cuisine. It's often eaten as a main meal. People enjoy it fresh from the oven, sometimes with a side of pickled peppers. It's a dish that brings families and friends together.

Pastrmalijada Festival

The city of Štip in North Macedonia loves Pastrmalija so much that they have a festival for it! This annual event is called "Pastrmalijada". It celebrates this famous local dish.

Celebrating Pastrmalija in Štip

During the Pastrmalijada festival, people gather to enjoy many different Pastrmalija pies. There are often cooking competitions and cultural events. It's a fun time for everyone to taste the best Pastrmalija and experience Macedonian traditions. The festival helps keep the tradition of making this special pie alive.

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