Easter bread

Pasca with dough - A charming traditional recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 servings

Pasca with dough is a traditional dessert, often associated with holidays, that combines the delicate flavors of cottage cheese with citrus essences and the sweetness of raisins. Each bite takes you back to moments spent with loved ones, festive meals, and warm memories. This recipe is not only simple but also filled with love and tradition.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 150 g sugar
- 50 g butter (at room temperature)
- 50 ml oil
- 3 egg yolks + 1 for brushing
- 250 ml milk (warm)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- Essences (vanilla or rum)
- Citrus zest (lemon and orange)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 700 g cottage cheese (preferably fresh)
- 3 eggs
- 3-4 tablespoons sour cream
- 200 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons semolina
- 100 g raisins (soaked in rum essence)
- Vanilla sugar
- Rum essence
- Citrus zest (lemon and orange)
- A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the dough
- Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast along with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar and 50 ml of warm milk. Stir gently and let it sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This process will activate the yeast, ensuring that the dough rises beautifully.

- Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, a pinch of salt, citrus zest, and the yeast mixture. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the egg yolks, oil, and melted butter. Add the rest of the milk and the essences.

- Kneading the dough: Using your hands or a mixer with hooks, start kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). If the dough sticks to your hands, add a little flour, but be careful not to make it too dry.

- Letting it rise: Form a ball from the dough and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

2. Preparing the filling
- Mixing the ingredients: In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, sugar, semolina, vanilla sugar, rum essence, and citrus zest. Mix well with a mixer or spatula until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture.

- Adding the raisins: Make sure the raisins have been soaked in rum essence for at least 30 minutes. Add them to the cheese mixture and stir gently.

3. Assembling the pasca
- Dividing the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. From the first half, roll out a sheet of dough with a rolling pin, making sure it is slightly larger than the 25 cm round mold you will use.

- Forming the base: Place the sheet of dough in the greased mold, ensuring that the dough sits evenly on the edges.

- Shaping the decorations: From the other half of the dough, form braids and a cross. Place the braids around the edges of the mold and the cross on top of the filling.

4. Baking
- Brushing and letting it rise: Brush the pasca with the remaining egg yolk. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.

- Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the pasca for 30-40 minutes or until it becomes golden and easily pulls away from the edges of the mold.

5. Serving
After the pasca is baked, let it cool in the mold for 10 minutes, then remove it to a rack to cool completely. You can dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look or serve it plain alongside a cup of coffee or fragrant tea.

My personal tip
If you want to add a touch of originality, you can include some dark chocolate pieces in the filling or replace the raisins with dried cranberries for a tarter taste. Also, remember to use quality ingredients for a truly delicious result!

Nutritional benefits
Pasca with dough is a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs, while the semolina provides complex carbohydrates, offering sustainable energy. However, it is important to remember that it is a dessert, so enjoying it in moderation is key.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a creamier filling, but make sure to adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the cheese.
- How can I keep the pasca fresh? You can keep it covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

Pasca with dough is more than just a simple dessert; it is a way to share special moments with loved ones. By trying this recipe, you will bring a piece of tradition into your kitchen and create unforgettable memories. Don't forget to share the result with family and friends, as the joy of food is always greater when shared. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: - 500 g flour - 150 g sugar - 50 g butter - 50 ml oil - 3 egg yolks + 1 for brushing - 250 ml milk - 25 g yeast - essence - citrus peel - salt Filling: - 700 g cottage cheese - 3 eggs - 3-4 tablespoons sour cream - 200 g sugar - 4 tablespoons semolina - 100 g raisins - vanilla sugar - rum essence - citrus peel - a pinch of salt