Sweet cheese and raisin pie
Sweet cheese and raisin pastries – A traditional Romanian recipe
Sweet cheese and raisin pastries, also known as branzoaice, are a true delicacy from the Moldavian region, perfect for chilly days. These pastries with a soft and aromatic filling are ideal to be enjoyed warm, alongside a cup of tea or milk. Let's embark together on preparing this traditional recipe, and by the end, you will discover some tricks and variations that will delight your taste buds!
Preparation time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 30-40 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours
- Number of servings: 10 pastries
Ingredients
For the dough
- 600 g flour (may vary depending on the type of flour)
- 7 g dry yeast (1 packet Dr. Oetker)
- 2 eggs
- 120 g sugar
- 200 ml warm milk
- 50 ml oil (or melted butter)
- 1 vanilla essence
- Grated zest of one lemon
For the filling
- 250 g fresh cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 100 g raisins
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 1 rum essence
For brushing (before baking)
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons of milk
For the syrup
- 150 ml water
- 4 tablespoons sugar
Step-by-step instructions
1. Preparing the dough
Start by warming the milk until it is lukewarm, then add the sugar and mix well until fully dissolved. This will be the sweet base of the dough. Separately, lightly beat the eggs in a bowl. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the dry yeast. Add the beaten eggs, the milk with dissolved sugar, oil, vanilla essence, and lemon zest. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or by hand, gradually adding flour until you obtain a dough that no longer sticks to your hands.
2. Rising the dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in volume. It is essential to create a warm environment, possibly even next to a radiator.
3. Preparing the filling
In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the two eggs, raisins, powdered sugar, and rum essence. Make sure the cheese is well crumbled to achieve a homogeneous composition. The raisins can be soaked in warm water or rum for added flavor.
4. Shaping the pastries
After the dough has risen, divide it into 10 equal-sized balls. Take each ball and roll it out with a rolling pin until you obtain a disc of about 10-15 cm in diameter. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center and fold the dough into an envelope shape, ensuring that the edges are well sealed so they do not open during baking.
5. Second rising
Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a small bowl, mix the egg yolks with the milk and brush each pastry with this mixture to achieve a golden crust. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until they are nicely browned.
7. Preparing the syrup
While the pastries are baking, prepare the syrup by boiling the water with the sugar for a few minutes, until the sugar is completely dissolved. After removing the pastries from the oven, immediately brush them with the warm syrup to add moisture and sweetness.
Serving and pairing suggestions
The pastries are delicious served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. Try pairing them with a cup of herbal tea or warm milk for a perfect treat. Additionally, for a more sophisticated option, you can serve them with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream.
Variations and useful tips
- Filling variations: You can experiment with various fillings. Instead of raisins, try pieces of dried apricots or even chocolate.
- Gluten-free dough: If you want a gluten-free version, use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Freezing: These pastries can be frozen without any issues. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer. When you want to consume them, let them thaw at room temperature and bake them for a few minutes to bring back their freshness.
Nutritional benefits
These pastries are a good source of carbohydrates from the flour and sugar, while the cottage cheese provides necessary proteins for the body. Raisins add a sweet note and are rich in antioxidants. However, it is wise to consume them in moderation, considering their sugar content.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use ricotta or cottage cheese with a higher fat content for a creamier filling.
- What should I do if the dough does not rise? Make sure your yeast is fresh and that you used lukewarm milk, not hot. If it is too cold, the yeast will not activate properly.
- Can I make the dough a day in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator to use the next day.
These sweet cheese and raisin pastries are not only a delicious recipe but also a piece of our culinary tradition. I hope you will try this recipe and enjoy every bite!
Ingredients: Dough: about 600 grams of flour (but it depends on the flour, it can be more or less) 7 g dry yeast (1 packet Dr. Oetker) 2 eggs 120 g sugar 1 cup of milk (200 ml) 50 ml oil (or butter) vanilla essence grated lemon peel Filling: 250 g fresh cottage cheese 2 eggs 100 g raisins 120 g powdered sugar rum essence For brushing (before baking): 3 egg yolks 3 tablespoons of milk For syrup: 150 ml water and 4 tablespoons of sugar (this syrup is brushed on after taking out of the oven)
