Moldovan traditional skirts
Moldovan Poale-n Briu: A Pie Like at Mom's House
When you say "Poale-n Briu", you think of a traditional, warm, and fragrant pie that reminds you of the warmth and love from grandma's kitchen. This cheese-filled pie recipe is not just a delicacy but also a story, a symbol of hospitality and culinary traditions from a region rich in flavors and customs. Start our culinary adventure and discover how to prepare these delicious poale-n briu, perfect for any occasion!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12-15 pies
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 g wheat flour (ideal for bread, for a fluffy texture)
- 2 large eggs (for a richer taste)
- 25 g fresh yeast (if unavailable, you can use 7 g dry yeast)
- 50 g sugar (perfectly sweetens the dough)
- 150 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 50 g melted butter (adds extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the cheese filling:
- 250 g cottage cheese (well-drained)
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (for a creamy texture)
- Rum essence (a few drops for a delicious aroma)
Necessary utensils
- Bread machine or mixing bowl for kneading
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Grater (if using harder cheese)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the dough
Start by adding the flour to the bread machine bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the fresh yeast dissolved in a little lukewarm milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast starts to foam. This is a sign that it is active and ready to do its magic.
2. Adding ingredients
Once the yeast is foamy, add the beaten eggs with sugar and salt, melted butter, and lukewarm milk. If you don't have a bread machine, you can prepare the dough in a bowl, mixing the ingredients well until you get a homogeneous dough.
3. Kneading
Let the machine knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes. If using your hands, knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
4. Rising
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).
5. Preparing the filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Mix the cottage cheese with the two eggs, sugar, sour cream, and rum essence until you get a homogeneous mixture. You can add a pinch of salt or a bit of vanilla for a more complex taste.
6. Forming the pies
After rising, roll out the dough into a sheet about 1 cm thick. Cut it into squares of about 10x10 cm. Place a tablespoon of cheese filling in the center of each square. Gather the corners of the square towards the center, forming a pouch, and pinch the edges well to seal the filling.
7. Placing in the tray
Place the pies on the baking tray lined with parchment paper. You can let them rise for another 15-20 minutes, covered with a towel.
8. Brushing and baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the pies with beaten egg for a golden and glossy crust. Bake them for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and appetizing.
9. Serving
Let the pies cool slightly before serving. They are delicious warm, but you can also enjoy them cold. A wonderful suggestion is to serve them with sour cream or a glass of yogurt.
Practical Tips
- Temperature control: Ensure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Type of cheese: Cottage cheese is ideal for the filling, but you can experiment with feta or ricotta for a different taste.
- Variations: You can add raisins or chocolate chips to the filling for an extra flavor boost.
Nutritional Benefits
These poale-n briu are a good source of protein due to the eggs and cheese, while the butter and milk contribute healthy fats. You can adjust the sugar level in the filling, making them healthier if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast instead of 25 g of fresh yeast. Check the expiration date to ensure it is active.
- How can I store the pies?
You can store the pies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
- Can they be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pies. Place them on a tray, put them in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container.
These Moldovan poale-n briu are more than just a recipe; they are a way to bring love and tradition to every meal. Surround yourself with loved ones and enjoy these delicious pies, full of history and flavors together! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: For the dough we need: 500g flour, 2 eggs, 25g yeast, 50g sugar, 150ml milk, 50g butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt. For the cheese filling we need: 250g cheese, 2 eggs, 100g sugar, 2 tablespoons sour cream, rum essence.
