Planet (cocorada) with cheese
Cheese Palanete: The Taste Treasure from the Countryside
Palanete, also known as cocorada, are delicious dough cakes filled with cheese, fresh cheese, or jam, lovingly cooked in the brick ovens of the villages. This recipe is more than just a simple dish – it is a journey back in time, to the heart of the village, where traditional tastes and aromas intertwine with childhood memories.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 5-6 servings
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1.5 kg white flour
- 750 ml milk
- 40 g fresh yeast
- 2 eggs
- Salt (to taste)
For the filling:
- 1.250 kg sheep telemea cheese (or cottage cheese, depending on preference)
- 6 eggs
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped or grated)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (finely chopped)
- Salt (to taste)
For brushing:
- 1-2 eggs (beaten)
Step by step for perfect palanete:
1. Preparing the dough: Start by warming the milk, being careful not to make it too hot, as we will use it to activate the yeast. In a small bowl, add the yeast and pour the warm milk over it. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy – this is an essential step for achieving a fluffy dough.
2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add a teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture. Add the two eggs and mix well with a spatula, then knead the dough for about 20 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to make it too heavy.
3. Letting the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial, as the yeast will make the dough fluffy and airy.
4. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. Crumble the telemea cheese in a large bowl and add the 6 eggs, chopped onion, dill, and salt. Mix well until you have a homogeneous composition. A delicious alternative would be to add a few tablespoons of sour cream for extra creaminess.
5. Forming the palanete: After the dough has risen, divide it into 5-6 equal parts. Form small balls from each piece of dough and let them rest for 10 minutes. Then, using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a thin square. Fill each square with the cheese filling, folding in creative ways to form the palanete. It is important not to overload them with filling to avoid leakage.
6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 220°C (about 428°F). Place the palanete on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and brush them with the beaten egg. Bake for 15 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will make you feel as if you are in the midst of a traditional village.
7. Serving: Once the palanete are baked, carefully remove them from the oven. You can portion them and serve warm, plain, or alongside a cup of fresh country milk. These cakes are delicious even cold, so feel free to enjoy them the next day!
Practical tips:
- Use quality cheese for the filling, as this ingredient will influence the final taste.
- You can experiment with different fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to give a personal touch.
- These palanete can be served as an appetizer or a main dish, and for an extra flavor boost, you can add a fresh salad as a side.
Nutritional values:
Cheese palanete are an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. The flour adds carbohydrates, while the dill provides essential vitamins and minerals. A serving of palanete (about 2-3 pieces) has approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the filling.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use cottage cheese instead of telemea cheese? Yes, but the result will differ in taste and texture.
- What can I do with leftover palanete? You can keep them in the fridge and reheat them in the oven or skillet.
- Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Of course! You can experiment with spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
These cheese palanete are a true delicacy, full of flavor and tradition, that will bring a smile to anyone who tastes them. So gather your ingredients, invite your family or friends, and let’s enjoy the authentic taste of the countryside together! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: -for the dough 1.5 kg white flour 750 ml milk 40 g yeast 2 eggs salt -for the filling 1,250 g sheep telemea cheese 6 eggs 1 onion 1 bunch of fresh dill salt -for brushing 1-2 eggs
