Cheese pie with sour cream and raisins

Cheese, sour cream, and raisin pasca is a traditional dessert commonly found in various cultures, often prepared for holidays or special events. This delicious recipe combines a tender and aromatic dough with a creamy filling enriched with sweet raisins and fragrant essences, creating a true symphony of flavors. Let's embark together on the adventure of making this special dessert!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total: approximately 3 hours 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the dough:
- 150 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 200 g flour
- 70 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of 1 lemon

Ingredients for the filling:
- 500 g goat cheese (or cottage cheese, if you prefer)
- 500 g sour cream
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons semolina
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon lemon essence
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g raisins

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the softened butter with the sugar until you obtain a creamy mixture. Add the egg yolks, vanilla sugar, and grated lemon zest. Continue mixing until the ingredients are well combined.
- Sift the flour and gradually incorporate it into the mixture, stirring with a spatula or your hands until the dough is homogeneous.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. This step is essential as it helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.

2. Preparing the filling:
- Start by hydrating the raisins. Place them in a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of rum essence. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to swell and become more aromatic.
- In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until they become a light-colored foam. Add the goat cheese or cottage cheese, sour cream, semolina, drained raisins, vanilla essence, and lemon essence. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous filling.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold them into the cheese mixture, gently mixing with a spatula to retain the air from the egg whites.

3. Assembling the pasca:
- Preheat the oven to 160°C.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until you obtain a sheet about 0.5 cm thick.
- Place the sheet in the baking form (preferably removable), ensuring that the sides are completely covered. Trim the excess dough from the edges, leaving a little for decoration if desired.
- Pour the cheese filling over the dough in the form and level the surface with a spatula.
- If you have saved dough for decoration, cut out desired shapes and place them on top of the filling.
- Brush the edges of the dough with egg yolk to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

4. Baking:
- Place the form in the preheated oven and bake the pasca for 50 minutes on low heat. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to allow the pasca to rise evenly.
- After the baking time is up, remove the pasca from the oven and let it cool in the form for 30 minutes. Then transfer it to a serving plate.

Serving suggestions:
Cheese, sour cream, and raisin pasca can be enjoyed warm or cold. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top or serve it with a spoonful of fresh sour cream. Add a splash of flavor by including some fresh fruits or a berry sauce!

Useful tips:
- Use fresh goat cheese for a more intense flavor, but cottage cheese is a milder and equally delicious option.
- Raisins can be replaced with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, to add a different note to the dessert.
- You can also add some chopped nuts or almonds to the filling for extra texture and crunch.

Nutritional benefits:
This pasca is a good source of calcium and protein due to the cheese and sour cream. The semolina adds carbohydrates, and the raisins are an excellent source of antioxidants. However, it is important to consume it in moderation, considering the sugar content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture and taste may vary.
- How do I store the pasca? You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? No, this recipe contains animal products, but you can look for vegan cheese and sour cream alternatives to adapt the recipe.

Enjoy every step of making this delicious pasca! It is more than just a dessert; it is an opportunity to create memories, share beautiful moments with loved ones, and savor flavors that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough: 150 g butter, 200 g flour, 70 g sugar, 2 egg yolks, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, grated zest of 1 lemon. Filling: 500 g goat cheese, 500 g sour cream, 4 egg yolks, 4 egg whites, 3 tablespoons semolina, 1 teaspoon vanilla essence, 1 teaspoon lemon essence, 200 g sugar, 200 g raisins.