Sweet cheese pie

Sweet cheese pasca is a traditional delight, perfect for adding a festive touch to any meal. Although it may seem complicated, this recipe is quite simple and yields impressive results. It is a cake that combines a fluffy texture with a rich taste, enhanced by the flavors of citrus and raisins. Pasca is, in fact, a type of pie that has been served over time on various festive occasions, bringing a sense of unity and joy around the table. I will present the necessary steps to achieve a perfect pasca, as well as some tips and tricks to help you enjoy every moment of the cooking process.

Total preparation time: 2 hours (30 minutes of preparation + 1 hour and 30 minutes of baking)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 100 g sugar
- 100 ml lukewarm milk
- 50 g melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 pinch of salt

For the filling (for two round trays of 28 cm diameter):
- 1 kg fresh cow cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 8 eggs
- 200 g sugar (you can adjust depending on how sour the cheese is)
- Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
- 1 cup raisins (soaked in a little rum)
- 3 tablespoons semolina
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk for glazing
- 1-2 teaspoons poppy seeds (for decoration)

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk, adding a tablespoon of sugar and letting it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt and the rest of the sugar. Make a well in the center and add the eggs, melted butter, and the yeast mixture.
- Knead the dough well until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes or until it doubles in volume.

2. Preparing the filling:
- In a large bowl, mash the cheese with a fork, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the eggs, sugar, lemon and orange zest, semolina, sour cream, and raisins, mixing well until combined.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the cheese mixture using a spatula to maintain the fluffy texture.

3. Assembling:
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out each part on a lightly floured surface, forming thin sheets.
- Place each sheet in a tray lined with oil and semolina, making sure to raise the dough on the sides of the tray. Leave a few centimeters of dough for decoration.
- Fill each tray with the cheese mixture, leveling it evenly.

4. Decoration:
- From the remaining dough, shape thin rolls and form a cross on each pasca. You can also add other decorations, such as spirals or flower shapes, to give it a festive look.
- Beat the egg with the milk and brush the pasca with this glaze, then sprinkle sugar and poppy seeds on top for a shiny and crunchy appearance.

5. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake the pasca for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 160°C and continue baking for another 40-50 minutes.
- Check with a toothpick to see if it’s done; it should come out clean, although the filling may seem soft.

6. Cooling:
- After removing the pasca from the oven, let it cool completely in the trays, covered with a towel. This will allow the flavors to meld and make the pasca easier to cut.

Serving suggestions

Sweet cheese pasca is delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can pair it with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of sweet wine for a complete gastronomic experience. Additionally, a slice of pasca can also be enjoyed with a fruit sauce, such as raspberry or cherry, to add a contrast of acidity.

Practical tips

- Cheese: Choose fresh cow cheese with low-fat content for a lighter filling.
- Raisins: Soak the raisins in rum a few hours before preparation to give them a more intense flavor.
- Decoration: Be creative with the decoration! You can use the remaining dough to create artistic shapes on top.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use soy cheese?: Yes, but it may slightly change the texture and taste of the pasca.
- What should I do if the filling spills out?: Ensure that the dough is well sealed at the edges and do not overfill the tart.
- How can I store the pasca?: You can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutritional benefits

Sweet cheese pasca is an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. It also contains carbohydrates from flour and sugar, providing energy. The citrus flavors contribute to vitamin C intake, while raisins offer fiber and antioxidants.

Possible variations

Depending on your preferences, you can add different ingredients to the filling, such as chopped chocolate, nuts, or other dried fruits. Experimenting with flavors like vanilla or cinnamon can add an interesting twist to your recipe.

With this sweet cheese pasca recipe, you will not only impress your loved ones but also bring a touch of tradition and joy to every meal. Remember to share this delicacy with those dear to you, because, as they say, joy multiplies when shared. Christ is risen!

 Ingredients: Dough: recipe for sweet bread (here you find the recipe or from 500g of flour) Filling for two round trays of 28cm diameter - 1kg of fresh cow cheese - 8 eggs - 1 or 1 cup of sugar (depending on your taste and how sour the cheese is) - zest from 1 lemon and 1 orange - 1 cup of raisins which we sprinkle with a little milk and rum - 3 tablespoons of semolina - 3 tablespoons of sour cream - 1 egg + 1 tablespoon of milk for glazing - 1-2 teaspoons of poppy seeds

 Tags:  sweets cookies cheese pastries