Maznik
(Kolpide, Kolpite, Tegnata pita, Vrtena pita, Мазник, Колпите, Колпиде, Вртена пита, Тегната пита)
Distinguished by its appealing coiled shape, this traditional North Macedonian pastry consists of a dough (flour, salt, lukewarm water, and oil) that is stretched and pulled into paper-thin sheets. Each sheet is then sprinkled with oil and topped with a filling of choice before being rolled into a long and coiled sausage-like roll.
Typical savory fillings include crumbled white cheese, curd cheese, eggs, leeks, spinach leaves, or minced meat, while grated apples or pumpkin are the usual choices for a sweet filling. The pastry’s top is typically brushed with oil and sprinkled with water before baking, while once it is done, it is sprinkled with water and covered with a towel to remain soft.
Although maznik is similar to burek, it is much lighter, flakier, and softer than burek is, and it also doesn’t have the crustiness typical of burek’s top and bottom layers. Read more
Maznik’s unique texture is believed to result from the method of pulling the dough into extremely thin sheets, and from not rolling the sheets too tightly around the filling, thus allowing air to remain inside the layers. Traditionally, maznik is prepared for special occasions such as home feasts, name days, and holidays, while in some parts of the country, including Bitola, Prilep, and Ohrid, a special vasilicharski maznik with a hidden coin is made for the traditional North Macedonian holiday Vasilica (St.
Basil the Great). Maznik is usually enjoyed with a glass of yogurt, a fresh vegetable salad, a homemade tomato sauce, or sour milk.
