Kyrde (cheese pie)

Cheese Pie – Kirde: A Warm and Comforting Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

The cheese pie, known as kirde, is a traditional recipe that evokes pleasant childhood memories. This warm delicacy, with a soft dough and savory filling, is perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack. I invite you to discover this simple and delicious recipe that will bring a touch of joy to your day.

Ingredients needed:

For the dough:
- 1 cup of warm milk (approximately 250 ml)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 3 cups of flour (approximately 450 g)

For the filling:
- 300 g of cow or sheep cheese (or a combination of both)
- Freshly chopped dill (optional, but recommended)

For the sauce:
- 1 cup of yogurt (approximately 200 g)
- 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream (optional, but makes the sauce creamier)
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt

Preparation Steps:

1. Making the Dough:
Start by warming the milk until it is lukewarm, but not hot. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step, as the activated yeast will ensure an even rise of the dough.

Add the salt and then begin incorporating the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a spatula or your hands. It is important to use good quality flour, as this will affect the final texture of the dough. When the dough becomes smooth and no longer sticks to your hands, shape it into a ball and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

2. Preparing the Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Crumble the cheese into a bowl and add the chopped dill, if you choose to use it. The dill not only adds a fresh flavor but also a pleasant color. Make sure the ingredients are well mixed.

3. Shaping the Pie:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into larger balls (about the size of a golf ball). On a floured surface, roll out each ball with a rolling pin to create thick sheets of about 5 mm. Add the cheese filling along the length of the sheet and carefully roll it up to form a log. Cut the logs into pieces of 5-7 cm and place them in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between them as they will puff up during baking.

4. Preparing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt, sour cream, egg, and a pinch of salt. This sauce will add fantastic creaminess and a distinctive flavor to your pie.

5. Baking the Pie:
After placing the logs in the dish, let them rise for another 15-20 minutes, covered with a towel. During this time, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Once they have risen, pour the sauce evenly over the logs. Place the dish in the oven and bake the pie for 30-35 minutes or until golden and browned.

6. Serving:
Once the pie is ready, let it cool for a few minutes, then cut and serve warm. It is delicious on its own or alongside a fresh salad or a refreshing yogurt.

Practical Tips:
- Choosing the cheese: Sheep cheese offers a stronger flavor, while cow cheese is milder. You can experiment with different types of cheese to find the perfect combination for your taste.
- Let the dough rise: Make sure the dough has enough time to rise. If it is too cold in the kitchen, you can warm the oven to a low temperature (about 30 degrees) and let the dough rise there.
- Variations: You can add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the filling to create a delicious vegetarian version. Additionally, you can add spices like pepper or sweet paprika for extra flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:
This cheese pie is a good source of protein due to the cheese and egg, while the yogurt adds beneficial probiotics for digestion. Whole grain flour (if used) provides fiber, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast. Mix it into the flour before adding the milk.
- What can I do with leftovers? Leftover pies can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven or microwave. Their taste will remain delicious!

Serving Suggestions:
For an even more enjoyable culinary experience, serve the pies with a yogurt sauce flavored with garlic or with a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. A refreshing drink, such as mint tea or freshly squeezed juice, perfectly complements the meal.

In conclusion, the kirde cheese pie is a simple yet flavorful recipe, easy to prepare and perfect for any time of the day. Experiment with the ingredients and find the combination that brings you the most joy! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 1 cup of warm milk 1 cube of yeast salt 3 cups of flour Filling: 300 g of cow or sheep cheese dill (optional) Sauce: 1 glass of yogurt a few tablespoons of sour cream (optional) 1 egg salt

 Tags:  cheese pie breakfast