Bougatsa: Greek Custard Phyllo Pastry

Introduction

Discover the delightful world of Bougatsa, a traditional Greek pastry that combines layers of crispy phyllo dough with a rich and creamy custard filling. This beloved treat is a perfect balance of sweetness and flakiness, making it a favorite choice for breakfast or dessert among Greeks and pastry enthusiasts worldwide.

Ingredients

For the phyllo pastry:

• 1 package of phyllo dough
• 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted

For the custard filling:

• 4 cups of whole milk
• 1 cup of fine semolina
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Cinnamon for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.

2. In a saucepan, heat the milk for the custard filling over medium heat until it simmers. Add the semolina, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a custard-like consistency. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

3. Unroll the phyllo dough and layer the sheets in the prepared baking dish, brushing melted butter between each layer.

4. Pour the custard filling over the phyllo layers and spread it evenly.

5. Fold the overhanging edges of the phyllo dough over the custard filling to enclose it.

6. Brush the top with more melted butter and score the top layer of phyllo with a sharp knife.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.

8. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before dusting with cinnamon.

9. Serve warm and enjoy the heavenly flavors of Bougatsa!

FAQ About Bougatsa

What is Bougatsa?

Bougatsa is a traditional Greek pastry made with layers of crispy phyllo dough and a creamy custard filling.

How is Bougatsa typically served?

Bougatsa is often dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, served warm, and enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert.

What are the variations of Bougatsa?

While custard is the classic filling, Bougatsa can also be filled with cheese, minced meat, or even pumpkin, offering a variety of flavors to suit different preferences.

Is Bougatsa difficult to make at home?

While making Bougatsa from scratch requires some skill in handling phyllo dough, with the right recipe and techniques, it is definitely achievable for home cooks to enjoy this delicious treat.

Can Bougatsa be frozen and reheated?

Yes, Bougatsa can be frozen after baking. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in the oven until warm and crispy again for a convenient and tasty treat.