Rustic pie with sheep cheese, dill, and green onions
Shepherd's pie with sheep cheese, dill, and green onion – a recipe full of tradition and nostalgia
Since childhood, I have grown up with the pleasant aromas of traditional recipes, and the shepherd's pie, also known as "varzar," is one of my fondest memories. Although its name may seem misleading, considering it does not contain cabbage, this dish is a delight that combines simple yet flavorful ingredients into a perfect combination. Now, I invite you to explore this recipe that will surely bring a touch of joy to your kitchen.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings
Necessary ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 300 g of flour
- Warm water (approximately 200 ml, but adjust as needed)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
For the filling:
- 1 kg of sheep cheese (preferably fresh and creamy)
- 2 bunches of fresh dill
- 4 bunches of green onion (scallions)
- 4 eggs (whole)
- Salt, to taste
Preparing the dough
1. Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the cube of yeast with a teaspoon of sugar and about 100 ml of warm water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step, as the activated yeast will make the dough rise and become fluffy.
2. In a large bowl, sift the flour and add a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the remaining warm water. Start mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until the ingredients combine.
3. Here comes the secret to perfect dough: knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and soft. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as we want a dough that is easy to shape.
4. Form a ball from the dough and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
Preparing the filling
1. In the meantime, let's take care of the filling. Grate the sheep cheese into a large bowl. If the cheese is saltier, taste and adjust the amount of salt you add later.
2. Finely chop the dill and green onion and add them to the cheese. These ingredients will bring a fresh and aromatic taste to the pie, and the combination of cheese and greens is truly divine.
3. Add the 4 eggs and mix everything well until the ingredients are evenly combined. Make sure the filling is creamy and slightly salty, but don't overdo it with the salt, as the sheep cheese can already be salty.
Assembling the pie
1. Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first part on a floured surface, forming a thin sheet about 1 cm thick.
2. Grease two baking trays with olive oil and transfer the first sheet of dough to one of the trays. Make sure the dough covers the entire tray.
3. Spread the cheese filling evenly over the dough, then roll out the second sheet of dough and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by pressing down so that the filling does not leak during baking.
4. Let the pie rise for another 10-15 minutes, covered with a towel, to allow the dough to settle.
Baking the pie
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Once ready, place the pie in the oven, allowing it to bake for 40-45 minutes, or until it becomes golden and crispy.
2. Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting. The flavors will intensify as it cools, and each slice will be an explosion of tastes.
Serving the pie
This pie can be served warm, plain, or with a dollop of sour cream on top, which will add a touch of creaminess. It is also just as delicious cold, perfect for a picnic or a quick snack. A personal suggestion would be to accompany it with a glass of buttermilk or a fruit compote to balance the flavors.
Nutritional benefits
The shepherd's pie is an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the dill and green onion provide a valuable intake of vitamins and minerals. The flour used in the dough offers necessary carbohydrates for daily energy. It is a recipe that, although simple, combines healthy ingredients, making it a suitable choice for a hearty breakfast or a light lunch.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use cow cheese instead of sheep cheese?
Of course! Although sheep cheese offers a stronger flavor, cow cheese is an excellent and more readily available alternative.
2. What can I do if the dough doesn't rise?
Make sure the yeast is active and that you used warm water. Also, the room temperature should be warm enough to allow for rising.
3. How can I keep the pie for longer?
You can store the pie in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Possible variations
- For a more exotic note, try adding olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
- If you want a vegetarian option, you can add spinach or nettles, which pair perfectly with the cheese.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as basil or parsley, to customize the flavor of the pie.
This shepherd's pie recipe with sheep cheese, dill, and green onion is not only a delicious dish but also a wonderful way to bring tradition into your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it with family or serve it to friends, it will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. So, let's put on our aprons and enjoy the magic of cooking together!
Ingredients: DOUGH a cube of yeast a teaspoon of sugar a pinch of salt 300 g flour warm water 2 tablespoons of oil FILLING 1 kg sheep cheese 2 bunches of dill 4 bunches of green onions 4 eggs salt
