Cheese and raisin pie

Cheese and raisin pie is a classic dessert, full of flavor and tradition, that evokes family meals and moments spent together. This recipe will teach you how to prepare a delicious pie with a fluffy dough and a rich filling, perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a dessert or a snack, this pie is sure to impress.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 4 eggs
- Yeast (about the size of a walnut)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 sachets vanilla sugar
- 230 ml milk
- 30 g margarine
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt (a pinch)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 kg fresh cheese
- Raisins (about 200 g)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6-7 eggs (depending on their size)

Ingredients for decoration:
- Sesame seeds (to taste)
- 2 egg yolks (for brushing)

Step by step for preparing cheese and raisin pie:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour, adding a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. In another container, dissolve the yeast in warm milk (not hot!) and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This will help the dough rise beautifully.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
Once the yeast is activated, add the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla sugar, and melted margarine to the bowl with flour. Pour in the milk with the yeast and start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and no longer sticks to your hands.

3. Adding the oil:
Once the dough is well kneaded, add the two tablespoons of oil and continue kneading for a few more minutes. This step will make the dough fluffier and tastier.

4. Allowing to rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

5. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, let's prepare the filling. Crumble the fresh cheese in a large bowl. Add the raisins, salt, sugar, and eggs (use 6 whole eggs and 1-2 egg whites, keeping the yolks for brushing the pie). Mix well until all ingredients are integrated.

6. Shaping the pie:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular sheet. Evenly distribute the cheese filling over the entire surface, leaving a small margin at the edges. Roll the dough with the filling, making sure to create a tight roll.

7. Placing in the pan:
Grease a baking dish with oil and dust it with flour. Place the roll in the dish, being careful not to squeeze it too tightly.

8. Brushing and decorating:
Beat the 2 egg yolks and brush the top of the pie. Sprinkle sesame seeds for a crunchy look and pleasant aroma.

9. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pie for about 45 minutes or until it acquires a beautiful golden color.

10. Cooling and serving:
Let the pie cool slightly before cutting. It is delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a complete experience.

Useful tips:
- Cheese: Use fresh, quality cottage cheese for better flavor. If you want a creamier filling, you can also add a little yogurt.
- Raisins: If you want to add extra flavor, soak the raisins in a little rum or warm water before adding them to the filling.
- Variations: You can experiment with various flavors by adding cinnamon, vanilla, or even chocolate to the filling.
- Serving: The pie is wonderful alongside vanilla ice cream or with a berry sauce for a contrast of flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
This cheese and raisin pie provides a good source of protein from the cheese and eggs, while the raisins add a boost of fiber and antioxidants. It is an excellent choice for a delicious taste, but also for nutrient intake.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of filling?
Of course! You can replace the cheese with ricotta or other creamy cheeses. You can also add fresh or dried fruits for a fruitier version.

2. How can I keep the pie fresh?
Keep the pie in an airtight container at room temperature, and if you want to consume it later, you can freeze it.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour to make the pie healthier, but the texture will be slightly different.

I hope this cheese and raisin pie recipe brings you joy and flavor in the kitchen. Feel free to experiment and add your own touches, transforming this classic recipe into a unique delicacy! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: FOR DOUGH 500g flour 4 eggs yeast (the size of a walnut) 4 tablespoons sugar lemon zest 2 packets vanilla sugar 230ml milk 30g margarine 2 tablespoons oil salt FOR FILLING fresh cheese (1kg) raisins salt 1 tablespoon sugar 6-7 eggs FOR GARNISH sesame 2 egg yolks

 Tags:  pie cottage cheese