Cheese and herb pie

Cheese and Greens Pie – a delicious and nostalgic recipe

When I think of cheese and greens pie, memories of my childhood come to mind, when my mother would prepare this delicacy. This pie is perfect for picnics, outdoor gatherings, or simply as a delightful dish for a family meal. Whether you enjoy it warm on the green grass or alongside a cup of yogurt, each bite will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients needed:
- 700 g all-purpose flour
- 300 ml lukewarm milk
- 40 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 400 g cottage cheese or sheep cheese
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 3-4 green onion tops (only the green parts)
- Oil for frying

Preparing the dough:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing all the ingredients. Make sure the milk is lukewarm (not hot!) to activate the yeast.

2. Mixing the flour: In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the salt. This will help achieve a finer texture and enhance the flour's flavor.

3. Activating the yeast: In another container, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step, as the activated yeast will help the dough rise beautifully.

4. Kneading the dough: Add the yeast mixture to the bowl with flour and start kneading. It is important not to add all the milk at once; knead the dough and gradually add milk until you obtain an elastic dough that doesn’t stick to your hands. The dough should not be too hard; if needed, add a little more milk.

5. Letting the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the filling:

1. Preparing the cheese: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Grate the cheese (cottage or sheep cheese) into a bowl. Add the finely chopped dill and finely sliced green onion tops. Season with a little salt, being careful not to overdo it, as the cheese may already be salty.

Forming the pie:

1. Rolling out the dough: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll it out into a thin sheet, shaped like a circle.

2. Adding the filling: Place the cheese filling in the center of the dough circle, leaving enough edges to close the pie.

3. Forming the pie: Gather the edges of the dough over the filling, forming a "pouch". Make sure the edges are well sealed so that the filling doesn’t leak during frying.

Cooking the pie:

1. Frying: In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Test the oil's temperature by adding a small piece of dough; if it rises to the surface and starts to sizzle, the oil is ready.

2. Cooking the pie: Carefully add the pie to the skillet. Fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy on one side. Then, flip the pie using a spatula and fry the other side until it is equally browned.

3. Serving: Once the pie is ready, remove it onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve warm, alongside sour cream, for an extra burst of flavor.

Helpful tips:

- Cheese variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, for varied flavors.
- Adding vegetables: For an even richer taste, you can add spinach or grated zucchini to the filling.
- Creative serving: The pie can be served alongside a fresh salad or a light soup, creating a perfect lunch.

Nutritional benefits:

This pie is an excellent source of protein due to the cheese, and the greens add essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, whole wheat flour (if you choose to use it) can add fiber to the diet.

Calories:

A serving of pie contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the amount of oil used for frying.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier dough, but you may need to adjust the liquid amount.
2. What can I do with leftover pie? The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or skillet to regain its crispiness.
3. Is it possible to bake the pie instead of frying it? Yes, you can bake the pie in the oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes or until it turns golden.

This cheese and greens pie recipe is not only simple but also filled with memories and stories. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and prepare this delicacy together that will bring smiles to your faces! Enjoy!