Presnac - Savory Serbian Cheese & Spinach Pie

Presnac (pronounced  preh-SNATZ) is a savory cheese dish of Serbian origin.  This can be made by itself, with or with out spinach or any green vegetable, or layered between a dough or phyllo dough.  A similar dish is called  ‘Zeljanica’, a cheese and spinach pie, when encrusted in pastry or phyllo leaves.

I like it without the pastry.  Lower in carbs!.  It makes a great appetizer, brunch, or side dish.

This particular version is mine. The addition of ricotta gives it a velvety richness.  It can be made using flour or cornmeal, or the combination of both.  I used fresh spinach leaves, just chopping them slightly.  Of course, frozen can be used or left out entirely.  I serve it over a layer of tomato sauce or marinara….fantastic!

                                                                       Presnac

Ingredients:

¼ lb fresh spinach (3 large handfuls out of a large 1lb bag) chopped

6 eggs, separated

1 lb container of cottage cheese, small curd

½ lb ricotta cheese

¾ cup cornmeal

½ lb shredded muenster or brick cheese

1 stick melted butter, reserve 2 T

1 tsp garlic salt, I prefer Lawry’s

½ tsp white pepper

Marinara sauce for plating, optional

Pre-heat oven to 350 F degrees.

Beat egg whites in separate bowl and set aside.

Beat yolks, cheeses, melted butter, cornmeal and pour into beaten egg whites.  Gently fold so as not to deflate egg whites.  Add garlic salt and pour into a greased 9x12 pan.  Sprinkle the reserved 2T of melted butter over the top (esp since I used fresh spinach)  Bake for 1 hour.  Cool in pan.

                          Cut in squares and serve.  Or cut and serve it over a puddle of marinara sauce.

                                                                    Prijatno!