Savory pies with cheese

Savory cheese pies - a warm and comforting delicacy for any occasion

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: approximately 2 hours 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 pies

Welcome to the world of savory cheese pies! These delights are perfect for a quick snack, an appetizer at a festive meal, or simply to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Plus, they are easy to prepare and offer a flavorful culinary experience. Let's get to work!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 700 g flour
- 150 g Greek yogurt (choose a creamy yogurt for a richer texture)
- 200 ml lukewarm milk (make sure it is not hot, just lukewarm)
- 100 g melted butter (let it cool slightly before use)
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra flavor)

For the filling:
- 600 g cheese (choose a fresh, quality cheese)
- 2 eggs
- 150 g yogurt
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (or parsley, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt

For brushing:
- 2 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons yogurt (slightly warmed)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the dough: Start by sifting the flour into a large mixing bowl. This step is essential for aerating the flour, which will contribute to a fluffier texture of the pies. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the dry yeast.

2. Adding wet ingredients: Over the yeast in the flour, add the Greek yogurt, lukewarm milk, melted butter (which should be slightly cooled), and the three eggs. Add the salt and ground cumin if you decide to use it. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until a dough forms.

3. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a well-floured work surface and start kneading it. This is a therapeutic activity, so take your time! Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. The quality of the dough improves with kneading, so don’t skip this step.

4. Letting it rise: Make a deep cross-shaped slit in the center of the dough and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or 1 hour and a half, until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cheese with the yogurt, the two eggs, and the finely chopped dill. Add the salt and mix well. If you have family members who are not fans of dill, you can replace it with parsley or simply omit it.

6. Shaping the pies: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal parts. Each of these parts will be further divided into 3 smaller pieces. On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a circle, no larger than 10 cm in diameter. Add a tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center of the circle.

7. Closing the pies: Lift the edges of the dough and pinch them together in the middle, forming a small pouch. Make sure the filling is well sealed inside. Repeat the process until you finish all the pies.

8. Second rise: Place the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat the two egg yolks with 3 tablespoons of warmed yogurt and generously brush each pie. This will give a golden and appetizing crust.

9. Baking the pies: Let the pies rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the pies for 35 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy.

10. Serving: Once baked, let the pies cool slightly before serving. They are wonderful both warm and at room temperature. You can enjoy them as they are or with a spoonful of yogurt or sour cream on the side.

Practical tips

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform and well-risen dough.
- If you want a lighter option, you can replace part of the butter with olive oil.
- Experiment with various herbs in the filling, such as basil or oregano, to give your pies a personalized touch.
- These pies freeze very well. Once cooled, you can place them in freezer bags and reheat them as needed.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of cheese?
Sure! You can use cottage cheese or mozzarella for a creamier filling.

2. How can I make the pies less caloric?
You can reduce the amount of butter and use low-fat yogurt. You can also decrease the amount of cheese used.

3. Can the pies be prepared a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pies and keep them in the fridge. Bake them a few hours before serving to give them a warm texture.

Delicious combinations

These savory cheese pies are excellent alongside a fresh vegetable salad, a tzatziki sauce, or even a glass of dry white wine. Additionally, a warm vegetable soup can perfectly complement a meal where the pies are the stars.

Nutritional benefits

Cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, while dill adds not only flavor but also antioxidants and essential vitamins. This recipe offers a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, making it an excellent nutritious choice for any meal.

In conclusion, remember that cooking is an art, and every recipe can be adapted according to your preferences. So don't hesitate to experiment and add a personal touch to your pies! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 700 g flour 150 g Greek yogurt 200 ml warm milk 100 g melted butter 3 eggs 1 packet dry yeast 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin Filling: 600 g ricotta 2 eggs 150 g yogurt 1 bunch of dill (or parsley if you prefer, or none) 1 teaspoon salt for brushing: 2 egg yolks 3 tablespoons yogurt

 Tags:  cheese pie