Sweet cheese and raisin pie

Sweet Cheese and Raisin Pie

Who doesn't nostalgically remember the steaming pies with enticing aromas that remind us of family moments? The sweet cheese and raisin pie is a classic dessert that enjoys popularity in many cultures, each with its own variations. This simple and quick recipe will transport you to a world of delicious flavors and pleasant memories.

Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 200 ml sparkling water
- 1 tablespoon oil
- A pinch of salt
- Flour as needed (approximately 500 g, but variable depending on humidity)

For the filling:
- 1 kg fresh cottage cheese, well drained
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (approximately 16 g)
- Vanilla essence, to taste
- 8 eggs
- Raisins, to taste (approximately 150 g)

For the topping mixture:
- 2 eggs
- 12 tablespoons yogurt
- 1 tablespoon oil

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the dough for the sheets
In a large bowl, pour in the sparkling water. Add the salt and oil, mixing well to combine the ingredients. Start adding the flour gradually, continuously mixing with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous, slightly elastic dough. Don't be afraid to adjust the amount of flour; the goal is to achieve a dough that is easy to roll out but not too hard. Once the dough is ready, cover it with a clean towel and let it rest for 15 minutes.

2. Preparing the cheese filling
In another bowl, place the fresh cottage cheese, which should be well drained of whey. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well with a fork or mixer to obtain a smooth composition. Incorporate the vanilla sugar and vanilla essence, adjusting the amount of vanilla according to your preferences. If you like more intense flavors, feel free to add a little more.

3. Rolling out the sheets
On a clean surface sprinkled with flour, divide the dough into two or three equal parts, depending on how many sheets you want to obtain. Roll out each piece of dough with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 2-3 mm. It is important to cover the sheets with a towel to prevent them from drying out as you work.

4. Assembling the pie
Place the first sheet of dough in a well-oiled baking dish. Brush the sheet with a little oil to keep it soft. Then, add a portion of the cheese mixture to one half of the sheet and sprinkle raisins to taste. Soak them a little in warm water before adding them to hydrate. Fold the other half of the sheet over the filling and pinch the edges to ensure the filling does not leak during baking.

5. Preparing the topping mixture
In a small bowl, beat the 2 eggs with the yogurt and oil. This mixture will give the pie a golden and delicious crust. Pour the mixture evenly over the assembled pie.

6. Baking the pie
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the preheated oven and let the pie bake for about 45 minutes or until it becomes golden and nicely browned. Check from time to time to ensure it doesn't burn.

7. Cooling and serving
Once the pie is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the dish. Then, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an attractive appearance. Cut the pie into desired shapes and serve it warm or at room temperature.

Serving suggestions:
A sweet cheese and raisin pie pairs perfectly with a glass of sweet wine or a cup of fragrant tea. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side for a creamy contrast.

Nutritional information:
This pie is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. Each serving contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the size and exact ingredients used. Fresh cottage cheese is rich in calcium, essential for bone health, and also contains B vitamins.

Variations:
- You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheese mixture for a different flavor.
- Instead of raisins, you can use dried cranberries or chopped nuts for an interesting texture.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or sheep cheese for a different flavor.

2. How can I store the pie?
The pie stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It can be reheated in the oven before serving.

3. Is it possible to freeze the pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake it, let it thaw at room temperature and then bake it according to the instructions.

This sweet cheese and raisin pie recipe is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together. Try it and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 200 ml mineral water, one tablespoon of oil, a pinch of salt, flour as needed to make a good dough for rolling out. For the filling: 1 kg of fresh cow cheese, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, vanilla essence, 8 eggs, raisins to taste. Before being placed in the oven, pour a mixture made of 2 eggs, 12 tablespoons of yogurt, and one tablespoon of oil on top.