Bougatsa

Bougatsa: A Greek Delicacy with Savory Filling

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8 servings

Bougatsa is a traditional Greek recipe, perfect for lovers of quick and delicious desserts. This filled pastry can vary from sweet cheese to meat or, for a vegan option, vegetables. In this recipe, we focus on a simple version with a cheese and vanilla filling that will delight everyone's taste buds.

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 100 ml olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- 100 ml brandy or cold mineral water (to add a note of flavor)
- Cold water, as needed to bind the dough

For the filling:
- 400 g cottage cheese (or feta cheese for a salty taste)
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of one lemon

For serving:
- Powdered sugar (optional)
- Cinnamon (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the salt. This will ensure a fine and even texture for your dough. Add the oil and brandy, mixing well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

2. Begin adding cold water gradually, mixing continuously until the dough starts to come together. Do not add too much water at once; the dough should be elastic and easy to handle.

3. Knead the dough well for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rest for 15 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a flaky dough.

4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Ensure that the filling is well combined to avoid lumps.

5. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first piece of dough on a floured surface until you get a thin sheet. Place the sheet in a baking dish lined with parchment paper.

6. Pour the cheese filling evenly over the dough surface. Roll out the other piece of dough and cover the filling, sealing the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

7. With a sharp knife, make a few shallow cuts on the surface of the pie to allow steam to escape during baking. This detail will help achieve a golden and crispy crust.

8. Bake the bougatsa in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the pie is golden and crispy.

9. Once the pie is ready, let it cool slightly before cutting it into portions. You can sprinkle powdered sugar and cinnamon on top for added flavor.

Serving suggestion: Bougatsa is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a cup of Greek yogurt or with a fragrant tea for a perfect dessert.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as feta cheese and spinach, or even sweet fillings with apples or cherries. This simple bougatsa recipe can easily be adapted to your tastes, making it a family favorite.

Now that you have all the necessary instructions, all that's left to do is start cooking! This bougatsa recipe will bring a touch of Greece to your kitchen and will surely impress anyone who tastes it. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 6 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of oil, 3 tablespoons of cognac/whiskey/spirits, birdFor the cream: 1/2 cup of butter, 6 cups of milk, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of semolina, 2 eggs, vanilla essence, sugar and cinnamon powder for serving.