Cheese pie

Cheese Pie - a quick and delicious dessert

If you're looking for a quick dessert that brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones, cheese pie is the perfect choice! This simple yet incredibly tasty recipe combines soft dough with a rich filling of cheese, sugar, and raisins, creating a perfect balance between sweet and savory. Cheese pie is not just a dessert, but also a pleasant memory, evoking moments spent with loved ones around the table.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 cup oil
- 1 cup warm water, soda, or milk
- 1 egg
- Yeast the size of a walnut (about 10-15 g)
- Flour as needed (about 500 g)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 600 g sweet cheese (preferably cow's cheese, well-drained)
- 100 g sour cream
- 3-4 tablespoons semolina
- 2-3 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g raisins (optional, but recommended)
- Grated zest of one lemon

Preparing the cheese pie:

Step 1: Preparing the dough
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water or milk. Let it rise for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the oil and the egg, then start incorporating the flour, mixing with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a soft dough. It’s important for the dough to be sticky but moldable. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
- In a separate bowl, mix the sweet cheese with the sour cream, semolina, eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and raisins. It’s important that the cheese is well-crushed and homogenized so that the filling is creamy and even.
- If you choose to use raisins, it's recommended to soak them in warm water for 5 minutes to soften, then drain them well.

Step 3: Assembling the pie
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a floured work surface, roll out the first part of the dough as thin as possible, so you can obtain a manageable sheet.
- Grease a baking tray with oil and line it with greased parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the first sheet of dough in the tray, ensuring it fits well along the edges.
- Pour the cheese filling evenly over the dough, then roll out the second sheet of dough and place it on top of the filling.
- Use a knife to cut the pie into squares or diamonds before placing it in the oven to facilitate later portioning.

Step 4: Baking the pie
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 35 minutes, or until it turns golden and nicely browned.
- Once the pie is ready, remove it from the oven and cover it with a damp towel for a few minutes. This trick will help retain moisture and make the layers softer.

Step 5: Finishing
- After the pie has cooled slightly, dust it with powdered sugar if you want to give it a more elegant appearance. You can serve the pie warm or cold.

Useful tips for recipe success:
- Ensure the cheese is well-drained to avoid the filling becoming too wet.
- If you want to add a splash of flavor, you can use vanilla instead of lemon zest or add a bit of cinnamon.
- The cheese pie keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for about 3 days. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional benefits:
This pie contains proteins from cheese and eggs, calcium from dairy products, and carbohydrates from flour, providing a balance of nutrients. Moderation is key, considering the sugar and fat content.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta, but make sure they are well-drained.
2. Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Yes, you can add dried cranberries or pieces of peaches for a fruity note.
3. How can I make the pie gluten-free?
Use special gluten-free flour, being careful to adjust the quantity based on the type of flour used.

Recommended pairings:
The cheese pie pairs perfectly with a scoop of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream. Additionally, a cup of mint tea or a strong espresso will perfectly complement this delicious dessert.

Whether you're preparing it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, cheese pie will bring a touch of joy to every slice. Don't forget to share the recipe with your loved ones and create unforgettable memories around the table!

 Ingredients: 1 cup oil, 1 cup water/soda/milk, 1 egg, yeast the size of a walnut, flour as needed (approx. 500 g). Filling: 600 g sweet cheese, 100 g sour cream, 3-4 tablespoons semolina, 2-3 eggs, 200 g sugar, raisins, zest of one lemon.

 Tags:  pie cheese sour cream sugar flour raisins christmas recipes christmas sweets