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Poale-n brau – Delicious Cheese Pies

If you are looking for a simple and quick dessert recipe that brings back childhood memories and moments spent with family, then poale-n brau is the perfect choice. These fluffy pies, filled with sweet cheese, are a true delight for the taste buds and will entice you with their inviting aroma. I invite you to put on your apron and let's get to work!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12 pies

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 kg wheat flour (plus 100 g for kneading)
- 3 egg yolks
- 130 g granulated sugar
- 150 ml palm oil (or butter, if you prefer)
- 500 ml lukewarm milk
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar

For the filling:
- 800 g fresh cow cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 egg yolks
- 60 g sugar
- 50 g semolina
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 100 g raisins and 50 ml rum for a flavorful note

Preparing the dough:

Step 1: Preparing the yeast mixture
In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk. Add a tablespoon of sugar and 4 tablespoons of flour. Mix well and cover with a clean towel, letting it rise for 15-20 minutes in a draft-free place. This step is essential to activate the yeast, so make sure the milk is not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.

Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar and palm oil (or melted butter). Integrate the risen yeast mixture into the yolk mixture. Gradually add the flour and knead the dough for 10-15 minutes. If needed, add a handful of flour and a tablespoon of oil to achieve an elastic and homogeneous dough. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise for 1 hour - 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Preparing the filling:

Step 3: Mixing the filling ingredients
In a bowl, combine the fresh cow cheese with the egg, egg yolks, sugar, semolina, and cinnamon. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. If you want an even more intense flavor, you can add raisins and rum to the cheese mixture.

Assembling the pies:

Step 4: Preheating the oven
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 190°C, so it's ready to bake the pies when assembled.

Step 5: Shaping the dough
Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a cylinder and cut slices 3-4 cm thick. Twist each slice to form a disc, which you will roll out with a rolling pin.

Step 6: Filling and folding
Place a tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center of each disc. Pinch the edges of the disc two at a time, then seal them to form an 'X'. Take the opposite corners and pinch them together in the middle, overlapping them.

Step 7: Let the pies rise
Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for 10-15 minutes in a warm, draft-free place.

Baking:

Step 8: Brushing and baking
Before placing them in the oven, brush each pie with a mixture of egg, milk, and a tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top for a crispy finish. Bake the pies for 45-50 minutes or until they become golden and fragrant.

My tip:
For an extra flavor boost, you can serve the pies with a yogurt sauce or a spoonful of sour cream. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee.

Nutritional benefits:
Cheese pies are a good source of protein due to the fresh cheese, and the eggs provide essential nutrients. If you add raisins, you will also benefit from antioxidants, and cinnamon contributes to a sweet taste and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions:
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Of course! You can substitute the cow cheese with ricotta or feta cheese for a savory version.

What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is active and that the ingredients have been kept at room temperature. Also, avoid drafts during rising.

How can I store the pies?
After they have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

End this culinary journey by enjoying a warm pie with your loved ones. Poale-n brau is more than just a recipe; it is a tradition that will bring you joy and beautiful memories. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough: 1 kg flour (+100 g for kneading) 3 egg yolks 130 g granulated sugar 150 ml palm oil Yeast 500 ml warm milk 25 g yeast 1 tbsp sugar Filling 800 g fresh cow cheese 1 egg 2 egg yolks 60 g sugar 50 g wheat semolina 1 tsp ground cinnamon

 Tags:  cheeses cheese pie