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Zelnik (Macedonian Leek and Greens Pie)

Crisp coiled pastry around leeks, spinach and white cheese.

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Prep: 35 min
Cook: 45 min
Serves: 8
Level: Moderate

Photo by Наташа Величковска · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and converted to WebP for web display.

Zelnik is a family of Macedonian savory pies with fillings that change by season. This accessible version uses phyllo around leeks, spinach, eggs and brined white cheese, baked as a dramatic spiral.

Technique notes

Why this approach works

Cooking the greens dry prevents a soggy pastry.
Cooling the filling protects the thin phyllo sheets.
Loose coils leave room for steam and crisp edges.

Macedonian kitchen

Zelnik (Macedonian Leek and Greens Pie)

Macedonian zelnik wraps a savory leek, spinach, egg and white-cheese filling in crisp coiled phyllo.

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil, plus ⅓ cup (80 ml) for brushing
3 large leeks, washed and thinly sliced
10 oz (285 g) spinach, chopped
8 oz (225 g) feta or sirene, crumbled
2 large eggs
½ tsp black pepper
1 lb (450 g) phyllo dough, thawed
2 tbsp sesame seeds, optional
Plain yogurt, for serving

Method

01
Cook the filling
Cook leeks in 3 tablespoons oil for 10 minutes. Add spinach and cook until dry; cool completely.
02
Season and prepare
Mix cooled greens with cheese, eggs and pepper. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) and oil a 12-inch round pan.
03
Shape the coils
Layer two phyllo sheets, brush lightly with oil, spoon filling along a long edge and roll into a loose rope. Repeat.
04
Bake until crisp
Coil ropes in the pan, brush with oil, add sesame and bake 38–45 minutes until deeply golden. Rest 15 minutes.

Cook’s notes

Serve warm or at room temperature with plain yogurt and a crisp salad.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days and re-crisp slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven.
Contains gluten, eggs and dairy. Keep unused phyllo covered so it does not dry and crack.

Safety & allergens

Review ingredient labels for allergens and cross-contact. Follow the recipe’s handling notes, refrigerate perishable food promptly, and use an instant-read thermometer where a safe internal temperature is specified.

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Zelnik questions

What is Zelnik?

Zelnik is a family of Macedonian savory pies with fillings that change by season. This accessible version uses phyllo around leeks, spinach, eggs and brined white cheese, baked as a dramatic spiral.

Can I make Zelnik ahead?

Refrigerate for up to 3 days and re-crisp slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven.

How should I serve Zelnik?

Serve warm or at room temperature with plain yogurt and a crisp salad.