Luchnik (Banitsa with leaks and rice)

Luchnik (Лучник)

Luchnik is one of the delicious meals from my parents childhood that they will never forget. For my grandmother to know how to prepare luchnik is a matter of pride. That is why you should try this recipe. I would like to show you the taste of our childhood.

Luchnik is a pastry made on the base of onion or leeks. There are many different recipes for luchnik in the different regions of Bulgaria.

The ingredients are:

For the dough:

• 4 cups flour
• 4 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 2 coffee cups
• lukewarm water
• 1 tsp salt

For the filling:

• 6 leeks
• 1 coffee cup rice
• 2 coffee cups
• vegetable oil
• 1 bunch parsley
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Preparation:

1. Combine all ingredients for the dough, mix together and knead semi-soft dough. Set aside for a while.

2. Chop the leeks finely and stew them in some water for 5 minutes.

3. Fry the rice and the stewed leeks in the oil.

4. Pour in 1 cup of water and simmer until the rice swells up. If necessary, add more water.

5. Take the rice off the stove and add the parsley and thyme.

6. Divide the dough in 5 balls. Roll out each ball to a sheet with the size of the tray.

7. Oil the tray and put in the bottom sheet. Sprinkle it with hot oil.

8. Layer all the sheets, adding filling in between. Do not place filling on top of the last sheet. Smear oil on the top sheet instead.

9. Pierce the sheets with a fork at 6 or 7 different places.

10. Bake at medium heat (340°F) for about 25 minutes or until light-brown.

11. When done, sprinkle with water and wrap in a towel so the crust turns soft.

Serve warm and enjoy the taste. 🙂

 

Find more delicious recipes for Bulgarian soups at the the Bulgarian Cookbook (English Edition)