Cheese pies

Delicious Branzoaice: a traditional cheese-filled recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 20 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn’t remember the warm and inviting aroma of freshly fried branzoaice? This popular delicacy has a long and rich history, being enjoyed in many corners of the world. Branzoaice are a type of pastry filled with cheese, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, thanks to the sweetness brought by sugar and raisins. Let’s explore together how to prepare these treats at home!

Ingredients

For the dough:

- 700 grams of white flour
- 1 cup of warm milk (about 250 ml)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet of dry yeast (or 25g of fresh yeast)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 50 ml of sunflower oil (optional)

For the filling:

- 500 grams of cottage cheese (preferably a bit drier to avoid excess moisture)
- 2-3 eggs (depending on their size)
- 100 grams of sugar
- 1 vanilla essence
- 2-3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 100 grams of raisins (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the dry yeast to the warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam appears on the surface. This is a sign that the yeast is active.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Make a well in the center where you will add the activated yeast mixture, beaten eggs, and optionally, the oil.

3. Kneading: Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until the dough starts to form. It is normal for the dough to be a bit softer at first.

4. Kneading: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If necessary, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to make it too stiff.

5. Rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. Mixing the cheese: In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the eggs, sugar, vanilla essence, vanilla sugar, and raisins. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

2. Check the taste: It is important to taste the filling to adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if necessary. This is an essential step to achieve the perfect flavor.

Step 3: Shaping the branzoaice

1. Portioning the dough: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured work surface. Divide it into balls of about 80-100 g each.

2. Filling: Take each ball of dough, roll it out with a rolling pin into a circle, and place a tablespoon of cheese filling in the center.

3. Sealing: Fold the dough to cover the filling, forming a half-moon or a package. Make sure the edges are well sealed so that the filling does not leak during frying.

Step 4: Frying

1. Heating the oil: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. It is important for the oil to be hot enough to fry the branzoaice evenly.

2. Frying: Place the branzoaice in the pan, but do not overcrowd them. Fry them on each side for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.

3. Draining: After frying, remove the branzoaice onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serving and suggestions

Branzoaice are served warm, sprinkled with powdered sugar, alongside a fragrant tea or good coffee. If you want to add a special touch, try serving them with a fruit sauce or sour cream. These treats are perfect to be enjoyed at breakfast, but also as dessert.

Recipe variations

There are many variations of branzoaice, and the filling can be adapted to personal preferences. You can try:

- Cheese and dill filling: A delicious combination for a savory taste.
- Chocolate or cocoa filling: For a sweet version, add melted chocolate to the filling.
- Fruit filling: You can replace the cheese with jam or fruit compote for a fresher variant.

Nutritional benefits

Branzoaice are a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. White flour provides carbohydrates, offering energy, but it is best to consume them in moderation, considering they are fried.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but you will need to adjust the liquid amount, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.
- Can branzoaice be frozen? Yes, you can freeze them after frying. Wrap them well in cling film and place them in a freezer bag.
- What can I do with leftover filling? You can use the filling to make pancakes or as a filling for other pastries.

Now that you know how to prepare these delicious branzoaice, all that’s left is to get cooking! Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen. You will see that once you try them, they will surely become a family favorite!

 Ingredients: Dough 700 grams white flour 1 cup warm milk 2 pieces eggs 1 pack yeast Filling 500 grams cottage cheese 2-3 pieces eggs 100 grams sugar 1 piece vanilla essence 2-3 packets vanilla sugar 100 grams raisins

 Tags:  flour yeast cottage cheese raisins pie