Cheese pies
Cheese pies are a delicious and versatile choice, perfect for any occasion. These fluffy and aromatic delights can be served both warm and cold, making them ideal for takeout, a quick snack, or even as a savory dessert. With a rich history in culinary traditions, cheese pies have been made for generations, with each family having its own secrets and variations. Let's discover together how we can prepare these wonders!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Number of servings: 16 pies
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 2 eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 100 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons lard (or butter)
- 2 sachets vanilla sugar
- 200 ml sour cream (or yogurt)
For the filling:
- 300 g fresh cottage cheese
- 200 g cream cheese
- 2-3 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon semolina or flour
For brushing:
- 2 egg yolks
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- Lemon juice or vanilla essence
Necessary utensils
- Large bowl for kneading
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking tray (lined with parchment paper)
- Grater for lemon
- Rolling pin (or a glass) for rolling out the dough
- Knife for cutting squares
Preparation steps
1. Preparing the dough
Start by mixing the flour with salt, sugar, and vanilla sugar in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the fresh yeast dissolved in a little warm water. This step is essential as the yeast will activate the fermentation of the dough. Make sure the water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
2. Adding wet ingredients
Once the yeast has dissolved, add the melted lard, beaten eggs, and sour cream. Begin kneading the dough, gradually adding warm water if necessary, until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky composition. This process will take about 10 minutes, but it is important to ensure that the dough becomes soft and homogeneous.
3. Rising the dough
After obtaining a uniform dough, cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for about 1 hour, until its volume doubles. This step is crucial as it helps achieve a fluffy texture for the pies.
4. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, let's take care of the filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with cream cheese and sugar, letting the mixture sit for 5 minutes to homogenize. Then, add the beaten eggs, lemon zest and juice, as well as the semolina or flour, which helps bind the filling. Mix well until you obtain a creamy composition.
5. Forming the pies
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll out a thin sheet. Cut the dough into squares of about 10x10 cm. In the center of each square, place a spoonful of the cheese filling. Fold the pies like an envelope and place them in the lined baking tray, leaving a little space between them to allow them to puff up during baking.
6. Brushing the pies
To achieve a golden and shiny crust, mix the egg yolks with milk and lemon juice or vanilla essence, then brush each pie. This step adds extra flavor and an appetizing appearance.
7. Baking the pies
Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pies for 20-25 minutes, until they become golden and fluffy. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 15 minutes of baking, to allow the dough to rise properly.
8. Serving the pies
Once the pies are ready, let them cool slightly, then dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance. These delicious cheese pies are excellent both warm and cold, and can be served as is or alongside a fresh fruit sauce.
Suggestions and variations
Cheese pies can be customized according to individual preferences. For example, you can add sour cherries from a compote, as mentioned earlier, or even raisins for a sweet touch. Also, try experimenting with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or feta cheese, to achieve diverse flavors.
Nutritional benefits
Cheese pies are rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, and sour cream provides beneficial probiotics for digestion. However, to maintain balance, it is best to consume them in moderation, especially if you are mindful of caloric intake. A serving of cheese pies can contain approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a richer taste and more fiber, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid.
- How can I store the pies?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days in an airtight container and can be reheated in the oven to restore their fluffy texture.
- What drinks pair well with cheese pies?
These pies are excellent alongside a cup of fragrant tea or a glass of fresh fruit juice.
These cheese pies are not only a delight but also a wonderful way to gather family around the table. Let’s enjoy cooking and the moments spent together, savoring these fluffy delights!
Ingredients: 1 kg flour, 50 g yeast, 2 eggs, 1 pinch of salt, 100 g sugar, 2 tablespoons lard, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 200 ml sour cream. Filling: 300 g fresh cottage cheese, 200 g cream cheese, 2-3 eggs, 200 g sugar, zest of one lemon, juice of one lemon, 1 tablespoon semolina or flour. For the topping: 2 egg yolks, 2-3 tablespoons milk, lemon juice or vanilla essence.
