Zelnik facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Zelnik

Zelnik filled with leek
Type	Savoury pie
Place of origin	Balkans
Serving temperature	Warm
Main ingredients	Phyllo pastry, sirene, eggs, spinach, sorrel, browned meat, leeks, rice

Zelnik is a yummy traditional pastry from countries like Bulgaria and North Macedonia. Imagine thin layers of dough, like phyllo pastry, wrapped around a tasty filling. It's often served warm and is super popular!

What's Inside Zelnik?

Zelnik can have many different fillings. Some common ones include:

• Sirene: This is a type of white cheese, a bit like feta.
• Eggs
• Green veggies like spinach or sorrel
• Cooked meat
• Leeks
• Rice

In the winter, people often make zelnik with a special filling of brined cabbage. This is actually how the dish got its name! In Bulgarian, "cabbage" is зелe, and in Macedonian, it's Зелка. Zelnik is often eaten with a side of yoghurt.

Zelnik vs. Börek

Zelnik is quite similar to another popular dish called börek, which is eaten in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Because they look alike, people sometimes get them mixed up. However, there are a few key differences:

• When they are eaten: Börek is often made for special holidays and festivals. Zelnik is usually eaten more often, as a regular meal or snack.
• How they are served: Börek is often served with a drink called kefir. Zelnik is usually served with yoghurt.
• The dough: Börek usually has thicker layers of dough and crust. Zelnik is known for its very thin layers of dough, especially when made with phyllo.
• Fillings and spices: Börek can use many different spices. Zelnik is typically made with leek and sirene cheese.
• Shape: Zelnik is often made as one long, thin piece of pastry that is then rolled up into a spiral shape.