Skirt in the waist

Poale-n Brau Pie: The Taste of Childhood in Every Bite

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I will present to you a recipe for Poale-n Brau pie, a dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, reminiscent of childhood aromas. This pie, with its rich filling of cheese and raisins, can be served warm or cold, and is perfect alongside a glass of buttermilk. Let’s get to work and bring a little magic into the kitchen!

A Brief History

The Poale-n Brau pie has its roots in culinary tradition, being a beloved dish for many generations. It is a symbol of comfort and family meals, often associated with moments spent with loved ones. Every bite is a memory, a journey back in time to warm and joyful meals.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 550 g flour (use type 000 flour for a finer dough)
- 120 g sugar
- 180 ml warm milk (make sure it’s not too hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 100 g melted butter (you can substitute with sunflower oil for a lighter version)
- 2 eggs (whole and yolk for brushing)
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- Zest of one orange (preferably organic for intense flavor)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 400 g cottage cheese (opt for well-drained cheese)
- 80 g raisins (cranberries can also be used for a tart note)
- 150 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to preferences)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons semolina (to absorb excess moisture)
- Rum essence (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 1 egg for brushing (to achieve a golden crust)

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 2 tablespoons of warm milk, then add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 2 tablespoons of flour. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture, similar to thick cream. Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.

2. In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the yeast mixture, beaten eggs, warm milk, orange zest, and salt. Start mixing the ingredients, then add the melted butter. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

3. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

1. In a bowl, sprinkle the raisins with rum essence and let them hydrate for 10 minutes. This step is essential to give them an intense flavor.

2. Combine the cottage cheese with the eggs, sugar, sour cream, semolina, and hydrated raisins. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous filling.

Step 3: Assembling the Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

2. After the dough has risen, divide it into 10 equal pieces. Take one piece, roll it out into a thin sheet, then cut it into squares of about 10 cm.

3. In the center of each square, add a tablespoon of the cheese filling. Raise the corners of the square and pinch them together to form a pouch. Make sure the filling is well sealed so it doesn’t leak during baking.

4. Place the pies on the tray, leaving enough space between them as they will puff up. Brush them with beaten egg for a golden and appetizing crust.

Step 4: Baking

1. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pies are golden and fluffy.

2. Once baked, let them cool slightly before enjoying.

Practical Tips

- For a fluffier dough, make sure the ingredients are at room temperature before use.
- If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the sugar amount in the filling.
- Experiment with fillings: You can replace the cheese with ricotta or add fresh fruits like caramelized apples or pears.
- Serving: The pies can be enjoyed warm or cold, making them perfect for breakfast or as a dessert. Serve them alongside a glass of buttermilk or a fragrant tea.

Nutritional Benefits

This pie provides a good source of protein from the cheese and eggs, while the raisins add a boost of antioxidants and fiber. The dough, while delicious, should be consumed in moderation, but can be an excellent choice for a special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with feta or mascarpone cheese for a different texture.

2. Can the pies be frozen?
Yes, the pies can be frozen after baking. Wrap them well and store them in the freezer. When you want to consume them, thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven.

3. How can I enhance the filling's flavor?
Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheese filling for a more complex flavor.

Now that you’ve discovered this simple and quick recipe, I invite you to try it and bring a touch of nostalgia into your kitchen. The Poale-n Brau pie is not just a dish, but an experience that will remind you of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough: 550 g flour, 120 g sugar, 180 ml warm milk, 100 g melted butter, 2 eggs, 25 g yeast, grated zest of one orange, a pinch of salt. Filling: 400 g cheese, 80 g raisins, 150 g sugar, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 2 tablespoons semolina, rum essence, 1 egg for brushing.

 Tags:  cheese pie breakfast