Bougatsa (Greek Custard Pie) Lecture Notes

Introduction to Bougatsa

• Traditional Greek custard pie with orange zest.
• Known for its crispy, creamy, and fresh texture.
• Commonly served with coffee or tea.
• Popular as breakfast, midday snack, or dessert.

Why You'll Love Bougatsa

• Crunchy: Thanks to phyllo pastry.
• Versatile:
  • Suitable for breakfast, brunch, special occasions, or dessert.
  • Complements coffee or tea.
• Authentic: A famous Greek dish, familiar in Greek households.

Key Ingredients

• Semolina Flour:
  • Coarsely milled durum wheat.
  • Essential for authentic texture.
• Orange Zest:
  • Provides citrusy, tangy flavor.
  • Enhances the pastry’s taste.

Steps to Make Bougatsa

For the Filling

1. Whisk eggs, sugar, and semolina flour until smooth.
2. Heat milk and vanilla extract until hot (do not boil).
3. Combine a portion of hot milk with the egg mixture, then add back to the pot.
4. Whisk constantly over heat until thick, smooth, and creamy.
5. Stir in salt, butter, and orange zest. Cool while preparing phyllo crust.

For the Pastry

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease a 9x13-inch pan with butter and line with parchment paper.
3. Layer and butter phyllo sheets in the pan.
4. Spread custard over phyllo, fold excess over custard.
5. Top with more phyllo sheets, buttering each.
6. Score the top; bake until golden brown (30-40 minutes).
7. Cool slightly, dust with icing sugar and cinnamon before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Sprinkle icing sugar right before serving to avoid melting.
• Serve warm for best texture.
• Orange zest is optional.

Serving Suggestions

• Pairs well with:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Fresh Fruit Salad
  • Cashew Cardamom Vanilla Latte

Storage Instructions

• Best eaten fresh.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the oven for crispiness.

FAQs

• Difference from Galaktoboureko: Bougatsa is sprinkled with icing sugar while Galaktoboureko is soaked in syrup.
• Etymology: Bougatsa derives from "pogatsa," meaning a pie wrapped in dough.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 368 per piece
• Carbohydrates: 27.3g
• Protein: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 12.5g
• Cholesterol: 124.4mg
• Sodium: 342.6mg

Enjoy making and savoring Bougatsa, a delightful piece of Greek culinary heritage!