Pies with tomatoes and cheese
Delicious Tomato and Cheese Pastries: An Easy and Tasty Recipe
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Looking for a simple recipe for an appetizer or snack that will delight your taste buds? I invite you to discover the wonderful world of tomato and cheese pastries! These delights are perfectly balanced, with a soft dough and flavorful filling. Moreover, they are ideal for serving at parties or gatherings with friends.
A bit of history: Pastries have a long tradition in the cuisine of many cultures, originating from stuffed bread dishes. Whether fried or baked, these treats are appreciated for their versatility and delicious combinations of fillings.
Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 tablespoons oil
- A pinch of salt
Ingredients for the filling:
- 3 ripe tomatoes
- 200 g sweet cheese (preferably cow cheese, but you can also use feta for a stronger taste)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Greens (parsley or dill, depending on your preferences)
- Salt, to taste
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the dough: In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the sugar, salt, and flour. Quickly stir with a wooden spoon until the ingredients combine. Then add the oil and continue kneading the dough until it becomes soft and elastic. This process will take about 5-7 minutes. If you feel the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
2. Rest: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the gluten to develop, making the dough easier to roll out.
3. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, wash the tomatoes and slice them thinly. In a bowl, combine the sweet cheese with the pressed garlic, finely chopped greens, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until you get a homogeneous composition. Here you have the opportunity to experiment: add other herbs or spices that you like.
4. Forming the pastries: After the dough has rested, divide it into two equal parts. Take one half and roll it out into a large, thin sheet on a floured surface. Place the tomato slices on the dough, leaving about 3 cm between them. On each slice of tomato, place a teaspoon of the cheese filling.
5. Covering the filling: Roll out the other half of the dough and place it over the filling, making sure to cover all the tomato slices. Using a glass or a pastry cutter, cut the pastries around each slice of tomato.
6. Frying the pastries: In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the pastries and fry them until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
7. Serving: The tomato and cheese pastries are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them alongside a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce for a mix of flavors. Additionally, a glass of white wine or a refreshing aperitif can perfectly complement this meal.
Practical tips:
- If you want a healthier option, you can bake the pastries instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the pastries on baking paper, brushing them with beaten egg for a golden appearance.
- Experiment with fillings! Instead of cheese, you can add spinach, mushrooms, or even minced meat, depending on your preferences.
- Keep the dough covered with plastic wrap if you are not using it immediately to prevent it from drying out.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! Feta, goat cheese, or even mozzarella are excellent options.
- How can I make the pastries spicier? Add a few chili flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
- How long can I keep the pastries? They can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to make them crispy again.
I encourage you to try this recipe for tomato and cheese pastries and adapt it to your personal tastes. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these snacks will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!
Ingredients: Dough ingredients: 1 cup boiling water, 3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, 4 tablespoons oil, a pinch of salt. Filling ingredients: 3 tomatoes, 200 g sweet cheese, 2 cloves of garlic, herbs, salt.
