Planet like in Cluj
Cheese Pie - Traditional Recipe from Cluj
If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert, nothing compares to a cheese pie. This classic recipe from Cluj, adapted by the renowned chef Adi Hadean, combines tradition with authentic flavor, offering you a dish that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a truly special pie!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Number of servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 600 g flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 10 g fresh yeast
- 3 tablespoons lukewarm milk (for activating the yeast)
For the filling:
- 500 g telemea cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 rum essence
- Zest of one lemon
Necessary utensils:
- A large mixing bowl
- A whisk or fork
- A baking tray (preferably rectangular)
- A clean towel to cover the dough
- A spatula or wooden spoon
Preparation:
1. Activating the yeast:
Start by warming 3 tablespoons of milk until it becomes lukewarm, then add the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to ensure effective rising of the dough.
2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the egg, the activated yeast mixture, and the lukewarm milk. Use a whisk or fork to mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms.
3. Kneading:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough sticks to your hands, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the dough should remain soft.
4. Rising:
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for one hour until it doubles in size.
5. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, crumble the telemea cheese with a fork, add the 3 eggs, sugar, vanilla and rum essences, and lemon zest. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous and creamy mixture.
6. Assembling the pie:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal pieces. Roll out one piece of dough on a floured surface to obtain a thin sheet large enough to cover the bottom of the tray.
7. Mounting:
Place the rolled-out sheet in the greased tray, add the cheese filling evenly over the dough, then roll out the other piece of dough to cover the filling.
8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the pie for 20 minutes. After this time, remove the pie from the oven and sprinkle it with cold water. This will help achieve a fluffier crust. Put the pie back in the oven for another 10 minutes.
9. Serving:
Once the pie is golden brown and well-baked, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it. Serve it warm, alongside a glass of milk or a cup of fragrant tea.
Practical tips:
- Telemea cheese: Choose a high-quality cheese, as it will directly influence the taste of the pie. You can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a lighter variant.
- Rising: Make sure the yeast is active before adding it to the dough. If you don't have fresh yeast, you can use dry yeast, being careful to respect the proportions.
- Variations: For a more flavorful pie, you can add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling. You can also experiment with other essences, such as almond.
- Serving: For an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top of the pie before serving.
Nutritional benefits:
This cheese pie is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, providing the energy needed to start your day. Additionally, the lemon zest adds a dose of vitamin C, essential for the immune system.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture will be different.
- How can I store the pie? Keep the pie covered at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator to keep it fresh longer.
This cheese pie, with its soft dough and creamy filling, is more than just a dessert; it is a piece of culinary tradition that will bring joy to your table. So, embark on a culinary adventure and let your creativity shine!
Ingredients: 600 g flour 1 egg 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 250 ml warm milk 10 g yeast 3 tablespoons warm milk 500 g telemea cheese 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 1 vanilla essence 1 rum essence lemon zest
