Savory Easter Bread

Savory pasca is a traditional recipe, full of flavors and delicious textures, perfect for adding a touch of originality to your holiday table. This savory cake, rich in cheese and aromas, has its roots in culinary traditions, often prepared on festive days or special occasions. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, at a meal with friends or family, savory pasca is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 400 g flour
- 4 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower oil or olive oil)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet of dry yeast (7 g)
- 250 ml lukewarm milk

For the filling:
- 600 g cheese (it is recommended to use a combination of sheep cheese and cottage cheese for an intense flavor)
- 4 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill (about 2-3 tablespoons, finely chopped)
- 2 egg yolks (for brushing)

For brushing:
- 2 tablespoons milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, and dry yeast. Mix the dry ingredients well with a spatula or wooden spoon. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the oil and lukewarm milk. Make sure the milk is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.

2. Kneading:
Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it. After kneading well, cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-40 minutes, or until it doubles in volume.

3. Preparing the filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the cheese with the eggs, salt, pepper, and chopped dill. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings to your liking, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.

4. Preparing the pan:
Grease a tart pan (or a round 30 cm pan) with butter and dust it with flour, making sure to cover all corners. This step is essential to prevent the pasca from sticking to the pan.

5. Assembling the pasca:
After the dough has risen, break off a piece of it (about one-third) and set it aside. Roll out the remaining dough in the prepared shape, making sure it reaches the edges. Use a fork to prick the dough in several places to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.

6. Adding the filling:
Pour the cheese filling over the dough, distributing it evenly. From the reserved dough, form two thin strands, which you braid and place around the edge of the pan, on top of the filling. These strands not only look good but also help create a crispy texture on the edges.

7. Brushing and baking:
In a small bowl, beat the two egg yolks with the 2 tablespoons of milk. Using a brush, glaze the cheese mixture with this mixture to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C if fan-assisted) and bake the pasca for 40-45 minutes or until golden.

8. Cooling and serving:
After baking, let the pasca cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help maintain the texture and make slicing easier.

Serving Suggestions

Savory pasca is served warm or at room temperature, as an appetizer or snack. You can accompany it with a fresh green salad or a garlic and dill yogurt sauce for a contrast of flavors. It also pairs excellently with a glass of dry white wine or a light craft beer.

Useful Tips

- Variations of the filling: You can experiment with different types of cheese or add spinach, mushrooms, or olives to diversify the flavors of your pasca.
- The dough: If you want to save time, you can use store-bought pie dough, but nothing compares to the taste and texture of homemade dough.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of savory pasca has about 350 calories, being rich in proteins due to the cheese and eggs, but also in carbohydrates from the flour. Ideal for a hearty meal, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace sheep cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or ricotta for a milder filling. Choose cheeses with a similar texture for the best results.

2. How long can savory pasca be stored?
Savory pasca can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to retain its flavor and texture.

3. Can I freeze savory pasca?
Yes, savory pasca can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely, then wrap it well in aluminum foil or freezer bags. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months.

4. What other recipes can I try with cheese?
If you love cheese, I recommend trying recipes like sweet cheese pie, quiche, or even savory muffins with cheese and vegetables.

Experiment with this savory pasca recipe and enjoy every bite! It is a simple and quick recipe that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 400 g flour, 4 tablespoons oil, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 packet of dry yeast - 7g, 250 ml warm milk. Filling: 600 g cheese (I used sheep cheese and cow cheese), 4 eggs, salt, pepper, fresh dill, 2 egg yolks. For brushing: 2 tablespoons milk.

 Tags:  cheese milk easter bread pasta recipes