Cheese pastries

Cheese Pastries: A Crispy and Savory Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 pastries

Dreaming of a delicious snack that will delight your taste buds? Cheese pastries are the perfect choice! This quick and simple treat is ideal for any occasion, whether you want to impress your guests at a party or indulge yourself with a savory snack. Here’s how to prepare them step by step.

Ingredients:
- 500 g of flour
- 250 g of butter or margarine (preferably at room temperature for easier incorporation)
- 200 ml of cold water
- A pinch of salt
- 300 g of cottage cheese (or feta cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon of yogurt (optional, for a fluffier texture)

Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. Add the butter or margarine cut into cubes and, using your fingers, crumble them together until you achieve a texture similar to sand. This step is essential for obtaining crispy pastries.

Gradually add the cold water, gently kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you want a fluffier texture, you can add a tablespoon of yogurt at this stage. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
While the dough rests, prepare the filling. In a bowl, place the cottage cheese (or feta cheese) and mash it with a fork. If desired, you can add herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.

Step 3: Shaping the pastries
Divide the dough into 3-4 equal balls. On a floured working surface, roll each ball as thin as possible. Brush each sheet with melted margarine, then roll it tightly to form a log. Then, twist the log to create a spiral shape, and gently press it to flatten it.

Step 4: Filling
Place the formed log on a baking sheet and, using a knife, cut the middle, leaving the edges intact. Fill the center with the cheese mixture, then fold the edges over the filling.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg and brush each pastry with this mixture to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Serving and variations
Once the pastries are ready, let them cool slightly before serving. They are delicious both warm and cold. You can accompany the pastries with a fresh salad or yogurt.

For a more exotic version, try adding chopped black olives or sautéed spinach to the filling. These cheese pastries are also perfect for parties or picnics, where you can easily impress your guests.

Enjoy every bite of these crispy and flavorful cheese pastries, which are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face!

 Ingredients: Dough: 400g flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dry yeast, cold water, margarine, and oil. Filling: boiled semolina with a little salt, then mixed with grated cheese.