Flower pie with spinach, mozzarella, and cream cheese

Spinach, mozzarella, and cream cheese flower pie

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

If you are looking for an appetizer that impresses both in appearance and taste, the spinach, mozzarella, and cream cheese flower pie is the perfect choice. This recipe combines a fluffy, golden crust with a creamy and savory filling, adding a touch of originality to your table. The origins of this recipe date back to ancient times, when pies were an ingenious way to use available ingredients, transforming them into delicious and attractive dishes.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g white flour (plus flour for rolling out the dough)
- 250 g whole wheat flour
- 2 egg yolks
- 300 ml lukewarm milk
- 50 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 7 g dry yeast
- salt (to taste)

For the filling:
- 350 g frozen spinach (or fresh, if you prefer)
- 250 g cream cheese
- 100 g mozzarella (grated)
- 1 egg
- 1 bunch of parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 bunch of dill (finely chopped)
- salt and pepper (to taste)

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon of water
- white/black sesame seeds (for decoration)

Preparation instructions

Step 1: Preparing the yeast
In a small bowl, mix 50 ml of lukewarm milk with 7 g of dry yeast and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This yeast will give your dough a fluffy and airy texture.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, sift 250 g of white flour and 250 g of whole wheat flour. Add 2 egg yolks, diced butter, the risen yeast, and a pinch of salt (without putting it directly over the yeast). Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands, gradually adding the lukewarm milk until you obtain a smooth dough.

Knead the dough for about 15-20 minutes, until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. It is important to pay attention to this step, as well-kneaded dough will have a perfect texture in the end. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with 1 beaten egg, well-drained spinach (if using frozen spinach, make sure it is thawed and well-drained). Add the grated mozzarella, finely chopped parsley, and dill, as well as salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

Step 4: Shaping the pie
After the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal parts and form 4 balls. Sprinkle flour on a clean surface and roll each ball of dough into a thin, round sheet. You can use a lid to cut the dough into a perfect shape. Place the first sheet of dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and spread 1/3 of the cheese and spinach filling over the surface of the sheet, leaving a 1-2 cm edge free.

Repeat this step with the other sheets, overlapping them and adding filling to each. The last sheet will be slightly larger to cover the others without filling. Place a glass lightly in the center of the sheet and cut the sheet into 4 sections, then each section in half and again, to obtain 16 slices.

Step 5: Forming the petals
Take two strips of dough and twist them twice: with your left hand to the left and with your right hand to the right. Continue until you have twisted all the strips. Then, take 2 petals and bring them together, pressing the ends to stick them. Thus, you will obtain 8 petals. Let the dough rise again for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Baking the pie
Preheat the oven to 175°C. Mix 1 egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water and brush the pie with this mixture. Sprinkle sesame seeds in the center of the pie for a more attractive appearance. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Serving suggestions
Serve the flower pie warm, alongside a fresh vegetable salad or a yogurt sauce with garlic and dill to enhance the flavors of the filling. It is an ideal appetizer for parties, but can also be enjoyed as a light meal.

Helpful tips
1. Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and eggs, to achieve a uniform dough.
2. Kneading: Don’t rush during the kneading. The dough needs to become elastic to achieve a perfect crust.
3. Variations: You can experiment with fillings by adding feta cheese or sautéed mushrooms to diversify the flavors.
4. Freezing: The pie can be frozen before baking. Make sure to cover it well to prevent drying out.

Nutritional information
This pie is an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and egg, while spinach provides essential vitamins, especially vitamin K and iron. One serving of pie (about 1/8 of the recipe) contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use fresh spinach? Yes, fresh spinach is an excellent choice, but make sure to wash and cook it before mixing it into the filling.
- How can I make the pie crispier? If you want a crispier crust, you can bake the pie at a higher temperature for the first 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to bake evenly.
- What drinks pair well with this pie? A dry white wine or fresh lemonade are excellent choices that perfectly complement the flavors of the pie.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try the dish and bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones! Cooking is an art form that brings us together, and the spinach, mozzarella, and cream cheese flower pie is a perfect example of this. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: for the dough: 250 g white flour (plus flour for rolling out the dough) 250 g whole wheat flour 2 egg yolks 300 ml milk 50 g butter 1/2 teaspoon sugar 7 g dry yeast salt for the filling: 350 g frozen spinach 250 g cream cheese 100 g mozzarella 1 egg parsley dill salt and pepper for brushing: 1 egg yolk 1 tablespoon of water white / black sesame