Herbaceous Croatian Strukli with Cheese and Spinach

A traditional Eastern European pastry delight

Strukli is a comfort dish with delicate dough layers folded around a savory cheese and spinach filling, then baked to perfection.

1 h 45 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

3/4 cup lukewarm water

For the Filling

2 cups fresh spinach

chopped

1 cup cottage cheese

1/2 cup feta cheese

crumbled

1 large egg

Salt and black pepper

to taste

For the Sauce

1 cup sour cream

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon butter

melted

For the Topping

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Preparation

Preparing the Dough

Mix ingredients

Mix flour and salt in a bowl.

Form the dough

Add olive oil and lukewarm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Knead and rest

Knead for 5 minutes, cover, and rest for 30 minutes.

Ensure the dough is thoroughly rested; it makes rolling easier and more tender.

Preparing the Filling

Combine base ingredients

Combine spinach, cottage cheese, feta, and egg in a bowl.

Ensure spinach is dry before adding to the mix to prevent sogginess.

Season filling

Season with salt and pepper.

Mix filling

Mix until well combined.

Cooking Process

Rolling Out the Dough

Carefully roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.

Filling the Dough

Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.

Shaping the Strukli

Gently fold the sides over and roll into a log shape. Cut into 8 equal pieces.

Plating & Serving

Herbaceous Croatian Strukli with Cheese and Spinach

FaUtensils

Plate the Strukli

Place the baked strukli on a serving platter, drizzle with sauce and shower with Parmesan and dill.

Sauce Pairings

Nutmeg-infused Sour Cream

Enhances the dish’s warmth

Melted Butter

For a golden finish

Garnishes & Accompaniments

Fresh dillParsley sprigs

Perfect Sides

Mixed green salad with vinaigrette

Roasted root vegetables