Cottage cheese pie
Cottage Cheese Pie - a simple and delicious recipe for unforgettable moments
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8
Who doesn't love a pie that combines the fine taste of cheese with a perfectly crunchy texture? This cottage cheese pie recipe is not only easy to make, but it also brings a combination of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for a Sunday meal, this recipe is not only simple but also full of tradition and love.
A bit of history
Cheese pies have been made for generations around the world, with deep roots in culinary traditions. Cottage cheese, a key ingredient in this recipe, is a soft cheese mainly made from sheep's milk, with a delicate taste and a creamy texture. It is often used in sweet or savory dishes, being very versatile. Over time, each housewife has improved the recipe, adding a personal touch.
So, let’s see how we can enjoy a cottage cheese pie that will delight any meal!
Ingredients needed
For the dough:
- 350 ml warm water
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 200 g white flour (for bread)
- 500 g wholemeal flour (preferably from a mill, with bran included)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 3 teaspoons flax seeds
- 3 teaspoons sesame seeds
For the filling:
- 700 g cottage cheese from sheep's milk
- 4-5 green onions
- 1 bunch dill
- 4 eggs
- 100 ml sour cream
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- coarse salt (to taste)
- ground black pepper (to taste)
- 3-4 teaspoons cumin (optional)
Step 1: Preparing the dough
If you have a bread maker, it will be much easier! Put the ingredients in this order in the machine's bowl: warm water, oil, salt, white flour, wholemeal flour, sugar, yeast, flax seeds, and sesame seeds. Set the program for dough and let it work its magic.
If you don’t have a machine, don’t worry! You can knead the dough by hand. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients, then add the water and oil. Knead well until you obtain an elastic and homogeneous dough.
Step 2: Letting it rise
After kneading the dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, until it doubles in volume. You can place the dough in an oiled bowl to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Preparing the filling
While the dough rises, you can prepare the filling. In a large bowl, pour the cottage cheese and crumble it with a spatula. Clean the green onions, wash them well, and chop them finely. Also, chop the dill. Add the onions and dill to the bowl with the cottage cheese.
Now, add the eggs, sour cream, semolina, salt, and pepper. Mix well, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated. If the filling seems too runny, add two more tablespoons of semolina to thicken it.
Step 4: Shaping the pies
Prepare a working surface dusted with a little flour. Roll out the dough into a thin sheet about 3-4 mm thick. Cut it into squares of about 6-7 cm. On each square, place a teaspoon of the cottage cheese filling, then fold the dough diagonally, forming a triangle.
Step 5: Preparing for baking
Beat an egg with two tablespoons of water or milk and brush the pies with this mixture. If you wish, you can sprinkle cumin seeds on top for extra flavor.
Grease a baking tray with oil and dust it with semolina. Place the pies in the tray, leaving a little space between them to bake evenly.
Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 170 °C. Place the tray in the oven and bake the pies for 35-40 minutes, until they become golden and crunchy. You will be delighted by the aroma that spreads throughout the house!
If you have leftover filling, you can use it to make a simple tart. Roll out the dough on the bottom of a tart pan, add the filling, and create a lattice of dough strips on top. Bake the tart at 160 °C for 45 minutes.
Serving suggestions
Cottage cheese pies are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them alongside a fresh salad, a vegetable soup, or simply with Greek yogurt. Also, a glass of dry white wine pairs perfectly with the delicate flavors of the cheese.
Nutritional benefits
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and B vitamins, essential for a healthy body. Additionally, using wholemeal flour will provide you with essential fiber for good digestion. This pie can be a healthy choice for a balanced meal.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with cottage cheese or ricotta, but the taste will be different.
2. How can I store the pies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for a week.
3. Can I freeze the pies?
Yes, you can freeze the raw or baked pies, making sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
4. What other ingredients can I add to the filling?
You can add spinach, olives, or mushrooms to diversify the flavor.
I encourage you to try this simple yet flavorful cottage cheese pie recipe! Whether you prepare it for a family meal or a special occasion, you can't go wrong. Once you savor it, it will surely stay in your memory!
Ingredients: I kneaded the dough in the bread machine, which halved my work (the ingredients are in order in the bowl): 350ml warm water, 3 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon coarse salt, 200g white flour (for sweet bread), 500g whole wheat flour (I buy it from a mill and leave it with the bran), 2 teaspoons sugar, 2 teaspoons dry yeast, 3 teaspoons flax seeds, 3 teaspoons sesame seeds. Filling: 700g sheep cheese, 4-5 green onions, 1 bunch of dill, 4 eggs, 100ml sour cream, 2 tablespoons semolina, coarse salt, ground black pepper, 3-4 teaspoons cumin (optional).
