Entree: Bulgaria – National Cuisine – Пататник ➤ Patatnik (A rustic Rhodope-style savory potato pie cooked on the stovetop or baked with onions, eggs, herbs, and white brined cheese)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 30 min

Additional 5 min

Total 55 min

Ingredients

- 2 lb (900 g) potatoes, peeled and coarsely grated
- 1 medium onion, about 6 oz (170 g), finely grated or chopped
- 2 large eggs, approx. 3.5 oz (100 g) total
- 8 oz (225 g) Bulgarian sirene or feta-style white brined cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) melted butter
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 tsp (1 g) dried summer savory (chubritsa) or 1 tbsp (3 g) fresh chopped savory
- 1 tsp (6 g) fine salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Grate the peeled potatoes and place them in a clean kitchen towel or fine sieve. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible and reserve the potato liquid in a bowl; let the starch settle, then drain off excess water and return the starch to the grated potatoes for extra binding.
2. In a large bowl, combine the drained grated potatoes, grated onion, crumbled sirene, eggs (approx. 3.5 oz / 100 g total), dried summer savory, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs if using. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter and 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil in a heavy 10–12 inch (25–30 cm) ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the potato mixture, press down firmly with a spatula to form an even cake, and drizzle the top with the remaining melted butter.
4. Cook on the stovetop, covered, until the bottom is golden and set, about 10–12 minutes. Carefully invert onto a plate, slide back into the skillet to brown the other side, and cook uncovered for another 8–10 minutes until fully set and golden. Alternatively, after browning the bottom, transfer the skillet to a 375°F (190°C) oven and bake 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
5. Let the patatnik rest 5 minutes, slice into wedges, and serve warm. Adjust salt as needed because sirene is salty.