Cottage cheese and cheese pie
Delicate pie with sweet cheese and ricotta
When it comes to desserts, few can match the charm of a warm, flaky pie filled with sweet cheese and ricotta. This pie is not just a culinary delight, but also a sweet memory of childhood, when the perfect aroma of cakes and pies filled the entire house. It’s a simple, quick recipe full of flavors, perfect for enjoying with loved ones.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12
Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 2 eggs
- a pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of lard
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 100 ml milk
- 150 g yogurt
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
Ingredients for the filling:
- 300 g sweet ricotta
- 200 g sweet cow cheese
- 200 g raisins
- 1 egg
- 200 g sugar
- zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
- 2 egg yolks + 1 tablespoon of milk for brushing
- powdered sugar for decoration
Preparation:
1. Preparing the dough: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential as it helps aerate the flour and contributes to a lighter texture of the dough. Add the remaining ingredients for the dough: eggs, salt, lard, baking powder, milk, yogurt, and sugar. Knead the dough well for 8-10 minutes until it becomes non-sticky and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
2. Chilling the dough: Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in cling film. Place it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step will help solidify the fat and make the dough layers flakier.
3. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, crumble the sweet cow cheese and ricotta. Add the raisins, egg, sugar, and the zest of the lemon and orange. Mix all the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. The citrus aroma will give a special taste to the filling, making it fresher and more aromatic.
4. Preparing the oven and the baking tray: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will help prevent the pie from sticking and make cleaning easier.
5. Forming the pie: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Take the first part and roll it out on a floured surface until you get a thin layer. Place the layer in the prepared tray, making sure to evenly cover the bottom.
6. Adding the filling: Spread the prepared filling over the first layer of dough, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Covering the pie: Roll out the other part of the dough and place it over the filling. Use a fork to poke the pie in several places so that steam can escape during baking. This detail will prevent the pie from puffing up.
8. Brushing with egg: Beat the two egg yolks with a tablespoon of milk and carefully brush the surface of the pie. This step will give it a golden color and an appetizing shine.
9. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pie for 40-45 minutes or until it becomes golden and crispy. Make sure to check it occasionally to avoid burning.
10. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the pie cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. When cool, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look.
Useful tips:
- If you like more intense flavors, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence or a pinch of cinnamon to the filling.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese, for a stronger flavor.
- Serving it alongside a fruit sauce or a scoop of ice cream will turn the pie into a true delight.
Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use salty cheese instead of sweet cheese?
Answer: Salty cheese can change the taste of the pie, so it’s better to stick with sweet cheeses or a mix of sweet cheese with a small amount of salty cheese.
2. Can I make the dough in advance?
Answer: Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent drying out.
3. What are the best drink combinations to serve with the pie?
Answer: Fruit tea, warm milk, or even a sweet white wine can perfectly complement the taste of this pie.
This ricotta and cheese pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent around the table! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: For the dough: 500 g flour, 2 eggs, a pinch of salt, 2 tbsp lard, 1 pinch of baking powder, 100 ml milk, 150 g yogurt, 3 tbsp sugar. Filling: 300 g sweet ricotta, 200 g sweet cow cheese, 200 g raisins, 1 egg, 200 g sugar, lemon and orange zest, 2 egg yolks + 1 tbsp milk, powdered sugar.
