Pastry with dough

Pasca with dough is a traditional dessert, symbolic for spring holidays, bringing together the delicate flavors of cottage cheese and citrus, wrapped in a fluffy and aromatic dough. This recipe will not only fill your home with an inviting aroma but will also bring joy to the tables of your loved ones. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare this delicacy, with useful tips and variations that will make you come back to it again and again.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 150 g sugar
- 50 g butter (at room temperature)
- 50 ml oil
- 3 egg yolks + 1 for brushing
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 25 g fresh yeast
- Vanilla essence (optional)
- Zest of one lemon or orange
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 700 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 3 eggs
- 3-4 tablespoons sour cream
- 200 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons semolina
- 100 g raisins (soaked in rum essence)
- Vanilla sugar (to taste)
- Zest of one lemon or orange
- A pinch of salt

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Add the egg yolks, the yeast dissolved in lukewarm milk with a little sugar and a pinch of salt. Knead with your hands or with a kneading mixer until the ingredients combine. Add the butter and oil, continuing to knead until you obtain a homogeneous, elastic, and slightly sticky dough. This dough should be similar to that of a sweet bread.

Step 2: Letting it rise
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy and airy pasca.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
In the meantime, prepare the filling. In another bowl, combine the well-drained cottage cheese, eggs, sour cream, sugar, semolina, citrus zest, a pinch of salt, and vanilla sugar. Mix with a mixer until the mixture becomes homogeneous and creamy. Finally, add the raisins soaked in rum essence, gently mixing to incorporate them.

Step 4: Shaping the pasca
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. From the first half, roll out a thin sheet that fits into a greased round baking pan (25 cm in diameter). From the remaining dough, form braids that you place around the dough sheet, leaving a small space to pour in the filling. With the leftover dough, form a cross that you will place on top of the filling.

Step 5: Finalizing and baking
Place the cross of dough over the filling and brush the pasca with the remaining egg yolk to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Let the pasca rise for another 30 minutes. During this time, preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the pasca for 30-40 minutes or until it is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cooling and serving
Once the pasca is ready, let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle it with powdered sugar before serving or accompany it with a fresh mint leaf for an even more elegant look.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained to avoid a too-wet filling.
- You can also add candied fruits or nuts for a crunchy note.
- If you want a gluten-free version, try almond flour instead of wheat flour.
- The pasca can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, but it is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Nutritional benefits:
This pasca is rich in protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs, with a moderate carbohydrate content. The raisins add fiber and antioxidants, while the citrus zest provides essential vitamins. However, it is important to note that, due to the sugar and fat content, portions should be moderate.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use soy cheese instead of cottage cheese?
A: Yes, but the texture and taste will differ.

2. How can I make the pasca less sweet?
A: Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and use less sweet cottage cheese.

3. Can I freeze the pasca?
A: Yes, it can be frozen before baking, but make sure it is well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

To enjoy this delicacy even more, you can accompany it with a cup of tea or coffee. Additionally, serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or vanilla ice cream can turn the dessert into an unforgettable culinary experience. Surely, pasca with dough will become a staple recipe in your culinary arsenal, bringing tasty memories and unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 500 g flour, 150 g sugar, 50 g butter, 50 ml oil, 3 egg yolks + 1 for brushing, 250 ml milk, 25 g yeast, citrus zest. Filling: 700 g cottage cheese, 3 eggs, 3-4 tablespoons sour cream, 200 g sugar, 4 tablespoons semolina, 100 g raisins, vanilla sugar, rum essence, citrus zest, a pinch of salt.