Cheese pie like in Transylvania

Cheese Pie, Transylvanian Style: A Traditional Delight

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

I suggest you treat yourself to a cheese pie, a simple and delicious dessert with deep roots in Transylvanian culinary tradition. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it will also fill your home with inviting aromas. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 1 kg wheat flour (choose type 650 for a fluffier texture)
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 300 ml lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 100 ml oil (you can use sunflower or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 400-500 g cottage cheese (preferably fresh, but you can also use telemea or feta cheese)
- 1 egg (optional, for the filling)
- Sugar (to sweeten the filling, to taste)
- Vanilla powder or lemon zest (to add extra flavor)

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Add the fresh yeast that has been dissolved in lukewarm water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until the yeast starts to bubble and becomes frothy. This is an essential step to activate the yeast, ensuring that the pie will be fluffy.

Step 2: Combining the Ingredients
Once the yeast is activated, add the oil and salt to the flour. Mix with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients combine. Then, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it; a dough that is too dry will make the pie dense.

Step 3: Proofing the Dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place. I recommend placing it in the turned-off oven with the door slightly open for a warm and humid environment.

Step 4: Preparing the Filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the egg (if using), sugar, and vanilla powder or lemon zest. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you want a saltier filling, you can also add telemea.

Step 5: Forming the Pie
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first part on a floured surface, forming a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small margin on the edges. Then, roll the dough tightly, forming a log. Repeat the process with the other part of the dough. You can also braid the two logs for a more attractive appearance.

Step 6: Baking
Place the pies in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another 20 minutes, then brush them with a beaten egg for a golden crust. Bake the pies in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Serving and Variations
This cheese pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a flavored yogurt sauce. If you want to experiment, try adding spinach or dill to the filling for a savory and aromatic touch.

This Transylvanian-style cheese pie recipe is not only a quick dessert but also a perfect way to bring a touch of Romanian tradition into your home. Enjoy every bite and cherish the time spent in the kitchen!