Cheese pies in the apron

Pie Poale-n Brâu: The Traditional Moldovan Delight

Pie Poale-n Brâu are a true treasure of traditional cuisine, a recipe that combines the delicate flavors and textures of cottage cheese filling with a fluffy, soft dough. These pies are not just a simple culinary dish; they tell a story of traditions, family, and unforgettable moments spent around the table. Whether you enjoy them warm, dusted with sugar, or share them with loved ones, Pie Poale-n Brâu will captivate you from the very first bite.

Preparation Time:
- Active time: 1 hour
- Rising time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours and 25 minutes
- Number of servings: 16

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 500 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 200 ml whey (or warm milk)
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt

*For the filling:*
- 250 g cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 50 g raisins
- 1 tablespoon semolina
- 1 tablespoon rum essence
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

*For brushing the pies:*
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon sugar

Preparing the Dough:

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential as aerating the flour helps achieve a fluffier dough.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, crumble the yeast with the 2 tablespoons of sugar until it becomes liquid. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast, adding 100 ml of whey or warm milk. Mix with a spoon until the flour gradually incorporates, achieving a consistency similar to sour cream.

3. Rising the dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 15 minutes. This step is important for activating the yeast, which will make the dough fluffy.

4. Adding the ingredients: Beat the 2 eggs with half a teaspoon of salt and add them to the bowl. Pour in the remaining warm whey and vanilla sugar, mixing well. Knead the dough until smooth, then add the oil and knead again. Cover the dough and let it rise for about 1 hour.

Preparing the Filling:

5. Preparing the filling: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the yolks with a pinch of salt. Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gradually add the 4 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until a meringue forms.

6. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, mash the cottage cheese with a fork, then add the raisins, yolks, vanilla sugar, rum essence, lemon zest, and semolina. Mix well until combined. Finally, gently fold in the whipped egg whites, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

Forming the Pies:

7. Dividing the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it in half. Each half is then divided into eight equal parts. This is the moment to play a little with the sizes if you prefer larger or smaller pies.

8. Rolling out the dough: Using a rolling pin, roll out each piece of dough, ensuring it is slightly thicker in the center. Place a tablespoon of the prepared filling in the middle of each piece of dough.

9. Forming the pies: Bring the opposite edges of the dough together so that the filling is well covered. Place the pies in a greased baking tray and let them rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.

Baking:

10. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, beat an egg with a tablespoon of sugar and brush the pies with this mixture.

11. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and bake the pies for about 40 minutes. For the first 10 minutes, keep the temperature higher to achieve a golden, crispy crust.

12. Finishing: Once the pies are baked, remove them from the oven and brush them with sugar water, then cover them with a thick towel. This step will help retain moisture and keep the texture fluffy. Let them cool for about 15 minutes.

Serving:

Pie Poale-n Brâu is served warm, dusted with sugar. They can be accompanied by a cup of tea or a warm drink to enhance the flavor. They also pair perfectly with a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt, adding a touch of freshness.

Practical Tips:

- Whey vs. Milk: If you don't have whey on hand, warm milk is an excellent alternative. It will provide a creamy taste to the dough.
- Raisins: Soaking the raisins in a bit of warm water or rum before adding them to the filling can add a richer flavor and texture.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings by adding pieces of fruit or other types of cheese, such as telemea, for a savory version.

Nutritional Benefits:
Pie Poale-n Brâu are rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, providing a good source of calcium. Whole grain flour, if used, adds fiber, essential for healthy digestion. However, it is best to enjoy them in moderation, considering the sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can they be frozen? Yes, the pies can be frozen, but it is recommended to enjoy them fresh for the best texture.
- How can I prevent the filling from leaking? Make sure the dough is well sealed and do not add too much filling.
- What can I do with leftover pies? You can transform them into a delicious dessert by adding vanilla sauce or berries.

Conclusion:
Pie Poale-n Brâu are not just a delicious dish but also a way to bring tradition into your kitchen. They offer a unique culinary experience filled with flavor and memories. So embrace this recipe and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: For 16 servings: For the dough, you need: 500 g flour, 2 eggs, 200 ml whey (milk), 50 g yeast, 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 vanilla sugar, 1 pinch of salt. For the filling, you need: 250 g cottage cheese, 2 eggs, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 50 g raisins, 1 tablespoon of semolina, 1 tablespoon of rum essence, zest of one lemon, 1 vanilla sugar. For brushing the pastries, you need: 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of sugar.

 Tags:  pie recipes pie recipe pie dough