Cheese pastries

Cheese merdenele - An unforgettable delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 merdenele

Dear cooking enthusiasts, today we turn to a recipe that reminds us of the flavorful and joyful moments of our childhood: merdenele with cheese. These delicious snacks, with a fluffy puff pastry dough and a rich cheese filling, are perfect for a quick snack or to serve at a festive meal.

A little story about merdenele

Merdenele is a culinary tradition that has spanned generations and is found in different variations in many cultures. These snacks are perfect not only because of their flavor, but also because of the crunchy texture they form when baked. Their history is linked to the use of foie gras dough, an ancient technique that produces an amazing result. The combination of salty and sweet cheese creates a delicious contrast that delights the taste buds.

Ingredients needed

- 2 foie pastry doughs (2x275g)
- 100 g salted cheese (preferably telemea or feta)
- 50 g sweet cheese (cottage cheese or ricotta)
- 1 egg (to brush the merdenele)
- Salt and pepper (optional, to taste)

Preparing the merdenele

Step 1: Prepare the dough

Remove the two foie pastry doughs from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial to avoid cracking the dough during shaping.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

In a bowl, mash the salted cheese with a fork, adding the sweet cheese. Mix the two cheeses well, then add the beaten egg. The mixture should be smooth, but not very runny; the ideal consistency is similar to a slightly creamy pasta. Taste the filling and adjust with salt or pepper if necessary.

Step 3: Cut the dough

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each dough widthwise into three equal rectangles. The ideal size for each rectangle is about 10x15 cm, but it doesn't have to be perfect. Creativity is part of the fun!

Step 4: Filling the merdenele

Take 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture and place in the center of each rectangle. Be sure to leave a little space around the edges to enclose the merdenele without the filling spilling out.

Step 5: Shaping the merdenele

Fold the two sides of the rectangle towards the center, joining them together. Then, fold in the other two sides, just the margin, to seal the filling. This will help form a nice shape and prevent the cheese from leaking during baking.

Step 6: Baking

Place the meringues on a baking paper lined tray, folded side down. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Brush the merdenele with beaten egg to obtain a shiny golden crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. It is important not to open the oven door during baking to allow the dough to rise nicely.

Step 7: Serving

Once the merdelles are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Then enjoy them warm with a green salad or garlic yogurt sauce, which will perfectly complement the taste of the cheese.

Practical tips

- Types of cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese! For example, you can add goat cheese for a more intense touch or mozzarella for a creamier filling.
- Foie pastry: If you don't have foie gras dough on hand, you can use pie dough or even plain pizza dough.
- Flavoring: Add finely chopped dill, parsley or chives to the filling for extra flavor.
- Variations: You can try the merdenele with different fillings such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach or minced meat.

Nutrition information (per portion)

- Calories: about 200 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrate: 18 g

These delicious merdines are a great choice to add a dash of flavor to everyday life. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as an appetizer or at a party, they are sure to be appreciated by everyone around you.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I freeze the merdenele?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Pack them well and keep them in the freezer. When you want to bake them, you can thaw them in the refrigerator and then bake them according to the instructions.

2. What drinks go well with merdenele?
They go perfectly with a dry white wine or herbal tea. A flavored yogurt drink can also be an excellent choice.

3. How can I make merdenele healthier?
You can use a wholemeal puff pastry dough and low-fat cheese to make a healthier version.

I hope you'll try this cheesy merdenele recipe and enjoy every bite! Enjoy!