Bougatsa Recipe

Bougatsa Recipe: A Comprehensive Guide to the Greek Breakfast Pastry

Introduction

Bougatsa is a traditional Greek breakfast pastry that is similar to a filled croissant or turnover. It consists of a flaky phyllo pastry filled with semolina custard, although sweet and savory variations exist. Bougatsa is a popular street food in Greece and is often served with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

For the phyllo pastry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup olive oil

For the semolina custard:

• 1 cup semolina flour
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions

To make the phyllo pastry:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the water and olive oil.
3. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

To make the semolina custard:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the semolina flour, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the custard has thickened.
4. Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the eggs and butter.

To assemble the bougatsa:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Divide the phyllo dough into 12 equal pieces.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a thin circle.
4. Place a spoonful of the semolina custard in the center of each circle.
5. Fold the dough over the custard, forming a triangle.
6. Place the bougatsa on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bougatsa is golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Bougatsa can be served warm or cold. It is often dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon before serving. Bougatsa can also be served with honey, syrup, or fruit compote.

Variations

There are many different variations of bougatsa. Some popular variations include:

• Sweet bougatsa: This variation is filled with a sweet custard made with sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
• Savory bougatsa: This variation is filled with a savory filling, such as cheese, spinach, or meat.
• Tyropita: This is a type of bougatsa that is filled with cheese.
• Spanakopita: This is a type of bougatsa that is filled with spinach.
• Kreatopita: This is a type of bougatsa that is filled with meat.

Conclusion

Bougatsa is a delicious and versatile pastry that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is a popular street food in Greece and is a must-try for any visitor to the country.