Vegetable and cheese pies

Vegetable and Cheese Pies – A Delicacy Made with Love

The preparation of vegetable and cheese pies is a flavorful tradition that spans generations. Each family has its own variation, but the essence remains the same: a flaky dough filled with fresh vegetables and cheese, offering an explosion of flavors and textures. These pies can be served plain, alongside creamy yogurt or a cup of milk, and are perfect both warm and cold.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 pies

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 1 kg flour
- 50 ml oil (olive or sunflower)
- 400 ml warm water
- 100 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast

*For the filling:*
- 300 g fresh and slightly salty cheese
- 6 green onion stalks (only the green tops)
- 3 green garlic stalks (only the green tops)
- 1 red bell pepper

*For frying:*
- 200 ml oil

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. In another container, mix the warm water with the milk and add the yeast. Let it activate for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. Add the oil to the liquid mixture and pour everything over the dry ingredients. Knead the dough well until it becomes elastic and smooth. If using a bread machine, set it to the kneading program.

2. Dough rising: Once you have a homogeneous dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. It will increase in volume and become airy.

3. Preparing the filling: In the meantime, wash and finely chop the green onions, green garlic, and bell pepper. In a bowl, combine the chopped vegetables with the grated or fork-mashed cheese. Mix well, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste the filling to ensure it has enough salt.

4. Forming the pies: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly oiled work surface. Divide it into 15 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten them gently with your palms. Then, add a tablespoon of the prepared filling in the center of each dough ball. Fold the dough to completely cover the filling and shape into round pies.

5. Frying the pies: In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the pies, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry each pie for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

6. Serving: The vegetable and cheese pies are served warm, but they are just as delicious cold. You can pair them with a garlic yogurt sauce or a cup of fresh milk. These pies are ideal for a picnic, a quick snack, or even as an appetizer at a festive meal.

Useful tips:
- If you want an even flakier dough, you can replace part of the water with yogurt.
- Experiment with the filling! You can add spinach, pumpkin, or feta cheese to diversify the flavor.
- If you don’t have time to fry, you can bake the pies in the oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper at 180°C for 20-25 minutes.

Nutritional information:
These pies are an excellent source of protein from cheese and fiber from vegetables. The whole wheat flour used for the dough adds extra nutrients, while the fresh vegetables contribute to the daily vitamin intake. One pie has approximately 200 calories, depending on size and filling.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with cottage cheese or mozzarella for a different texture.
- How can I store the pies? They can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or skillet.

Share these delicious pies with your loved ones and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Dough ingredients: 1kg flour, 50ml oil, 400ml water, 100ml milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons dry yeast. Filling: 300g fresh and slightly salty cheese, 6 green onions (only the green tops), 3 green garlic stalks (only the green tops), red bell pepper. For frying: 200ml oil.