Cheese pie

Cheese Pie – a delight that combines nostalgia with flavor

Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10

The history of cheese pie takes us back in time when ingenious housewives found quick and delicious solutions to feed their large families. My mother-in-law, a dedicated and resourceful woman, prepared this pie with great love for her eight children. Without wasting time on complicated dough, she mixed the ingredients, poured the mixture into a tray, and let the oven do the magic. Although my first attempt was not exactly like hers, I managed to surprise my loved ones with a simple yet tasty dessert.

I invite you to discover this easy-to-make recipe, perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family meal or a party with friends. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 500 g fresh cottage cheese
- 500 g goat or sheep telemea (for a more intense flavor)
- 10 eggs
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup yogurt
- 100 g raisins (preferably soaked)
- 1 lemon (zest)
- 300 g sour cream
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 baking powder
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the tray)

Necessary utensils:
- A large mixing bowl
- A spatula for homogenizing
- A baking tray (preferably 30x40 cm)
- A mixer or whisk for beating the eggs
- Baking paper (optional)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients and utensils. It is important that the cottage cheese is fresh and well-drained, and the telemea is finely grated. If using raisins, it is advisable to soak them in warm water or rum for 15-20 minutes.

2. Mixing the composition: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese and grated telemea. Use a spatula to homogenize them. Add the yogurt, beaten eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, semolina, and flour mixed with the baking powder. Mix well until you obtain a uniform composition.

3. Preparing the tray: Grease the tray with butter or line it with baking paper to prevent sticking. This step is essential for flipping the pie without it breaking.

4. Assembling the pie: Pour half of the cheese mixture into the tray, leveling it evenly. Sprinkle the soaked raisins over it, then cover with the remaining mixture. Make sure the surface is smooth.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat). Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for 1 hour. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to allow the pie to rise properly.

6. Finishing: A few minutes before stopping the oven, remove the tray and pour the remaining beaten eggs mixed with sour cream and a pinch of salt over the pie. Put the tray back and let it brown for another 10-15 minutes until you achieve a golden crust.

7. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, flip it onto a platter and dust with sugar if desired. It can be served warm or cold, according to preference. It is delicious alongside a fragrant tea or plain yogurt.

Tips and tricks:
- Vegan option: You can replace the eggs with a mixture of 200 g of silken tofu (mashed) mixed with 100 g of plant yogurt and a tablespoon of crushed dates for sweetness.
- Additional flavors: Add a little vanilla or cinnamon to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Serving: This pie pairs perfectly with a fruit sauce or apple compote.
- Storage: It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is best consumed fresh.

Nutritional benefits:
This pie is rich in protein due to the eggs and cheese, also providing calcium and essential vitamins. By adding raisins, you increase the intake of antioxidants and fiber, making it not only delicious but also nutritious.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use soy cheese instead of cottage cheese? Yes, but the texture and flavor will be different.
- How can I make the pie less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe according to your preferences.
- Is this a good recipe for beginners? Absolutely! It is simple and does not require advanced cooking skills.

In conclusion, cheese pie is a versatile recipe that combines tradition with modernity. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge your family, this dessert will bring smiles and beautiful memories. I wish you happy cooking and tasting!

 Ingredients: 500g fresh cow cheese, 500g goat or sheep telemea, 10 eggs, 2 tablespoons semolina, 4 tablespoons flour, 1 cup yogurt, 100g raisins, 1 lemon, 300g sour cream, 3-4 tablespoons sugar, vanilla sugar, 1 baking powder, 1 tablespoon butter

 Tags:  cheese pie