Cheese pastries

Cheese Pogăcele: The Joy of Home Flavor

Cheese pogăcele, also known as bufta with cheese in my family, are those delights that everyone loves, from the little ones to the grown-ups. These mini cheese pastries are a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a party, a family meal, or simply a delicious snack. The dough, soft and fluffy, is quickly prepared with the help of a bread machine, and the filling of telemea adds a savory taste that will keep you coming back for more.

In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the best pogăcele, providing you with useful tips and information about ingredients, cooking techniques, and possible variations. Let’s get to work!

Useful information

- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Bread machine programming time: 90 minutes
- Baking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours and 5 minutes
- Number of servings: 24 pogăcele

Ingredients

- 500 g flour (preferably type 000)
- 3 tablespoons oil (sunflower oil or olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 1 cup and 3/4 warm water (approximately 375 ml)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar (to balance the salty taste of the cheese)
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 250 g telemea (preferably sheep or cow telemea, depending on taste)
- 1 egg (for brushing)

The story behind the recipe

Cheese pogăcele are a traditional recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, reminding us of the lavish meals of childhood. The soft dough and delicious cheese filling are a perfect combination that delights all the senses. These treats can be served warm, but they are just as good cold, making them ideal for picnics or quick snacks.

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough
Start by adding the ingredients to the bread machine pan. First, add the warm water, salt, sugar, oil, flour, and dry yeast. It’s important to follow this order to correctly activate the yeast and achieve a fluffy dough.

2. Programming the machine
Set the bread machine for a kneading and rising cycle of about 90 minutes. During this time, the yeast will activate and the dough will rise beautifully.

3. Preparing the filling
While the dough is rising, cut the telemea into small cubes. You can use cow or sheep telemea, depending on your preferences. If you like a more intense flavor, you can also add a bit of dried dill or black pepper to season the filling.

4. Shaping the pogăcele
Once the dough has risen, remove it from the pan onto a floured work surface. Roll out the dough until you get a sheet about 1 cm thick. Cut it into squares of about 5x5 cm. On each square, place a piece of telemea, then fold it like a gift, making sure the filling is well sealed inside.

5. Preparing for baking
Place the pogăcele on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for rising during baking. Beat the egg and brush each pogăcel to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pogăcele for about 20 minutes or until they turn golden and nicely browned. The aromas will fill the entire house, and your patience will be rewarded!

7. Serving
Once the pogăcele are baked, let them cool slightly before enjoying. They can be served warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad or even with Greek yogurt for a delicious contrast.

Practical tips

- Variations of the filling: Instead of telemea, you can try feta cheese, goat cheese, or even a mix of cheeses for a diversified flavor.

- Dough improvements: Add herbs such as oregano or basil to the dough for an extra aroma.

- Quick snacks: These pogăcele are perfect for serving at a party. You can prepare a platter with different fillings and let guests choose.

Calories and nutritional benefits
Each pogăcel contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Telemea is a good source of calcium and protein, essential for bone and muscle health. Additionally, the oil added to the dough provides healthy fats, contributing to a rich and pleasant taste.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a higher intake of fiber and nutrients.

- What if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the water used is not too hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. Also, check the expiration date of the yeast.

- Can I freeze the pogăcele?
Absolutely! These pogăcele can be successfully frozen. Place them in an airtight container after they have completely cooled, and you can enjoy them later.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is for you to get started! Prepare these cheese pogăcele and enjoy every bite. Whether served warm or cold, they will always bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So let’s enjoy cooking together!

 Ingredients: flour 500 g, oil 3 tablespoons, water 1 cup and 3/4, salt 1 tablespoon, sugar 2 tablespoons, dry yeast 2 teaspoons, cheese 250 g, egg 1 piece

 Tags:  bread machine telemea