Cottage cheese pie
Cottage Cheese Pie - A Recipe from the Heart of the Family
When it comes to desserts, cottage cheese pie holds a special place in the heart of every family. A simple yet flavorful recipe that reminds us of childhood, of moments spent around the table, savoring a warm and fluffy slice of pie. This recipe is one of those that mom lovingly prepared, and each bite brings back memories of her love.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10 slices
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 egg
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup of milk (about 250 ml)
- ½ packet of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Flour as needed (about 20 tablespoons)
For the filling:
- 750 g cottage cheese (fresh is ideal)
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Raisins (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
Preparation steps:
1. Preparing the filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the cottage cheese well with the egg yolks and sugar. Make sure the cottage cheese is well homogenized, without lumps, to achieve a smooth filling. Add the lemon zest and vanilla sugar, gently mixing everything. This combination will give the pie a fresh flavor and an inviting aroma.
2. Beating the egg whites:
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve a firm foam. It is important to use a clean and dry bowl to obtain perfect foam. Once the egg whites are beaten, carefully fold them into the cheese mixture using a spatula, so as not to lose the air in the composition.
3. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the egg with the butter until you get a homogeneous mixture. Add the sugar and milk, continuing to mix. In another container, combine the baking powder with 5 tablespoons of flour, then incorporate this mixture into the dough. Gradually add the flour, kneading until the dough becomes homogeneous and no longer sticks to your hands.
4. Forming the sheets:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Then, roll out each part on a floured surface, forming two thin sheets. It is recommended to use a rolling pin with a uniform diameter to achieve sheets of consistent thickness.
5. Assembling the pie:
Grease a baking tray (25 x 35 cm) with butter and place the first sheet in the tray, making sure it reaches the edges. Pour the cheese filling on top, leveling it with a spatula for an even surface. Place the second sheet on top and gently fold the edges to seal the pie. Prick the surface with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pie in the oven and let it bake for 40-50 minutes or until it becomes golden and browned on top. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to prevent the pie from collapsing.
7. Cooling and serving:
Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes. Then, take it out of the tray and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance and a sweet taste.
Serving suggestions:
Cottage cheese pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it with a fresh fruit sauce or a dollop of sour cream. Also, a cup of aromatic tea or an espresso will pair perfectly with this delicacy.
Possible variations:
To add a personal touch, you can experiment with other ingredients. For example, add some chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture or replace the raisins with dried cranberries for a tart note. You could also try using cream cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier version.
Nutritional benefits:
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, making this pie not only delicious but also nutritious. It also contains vitamins A and B, being a good choice for a healthy dessert, especially when made with natural ingredients.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use cream cheese or ricotta, but make sure to drain them well to avoid a too-wet filling.
2. How can I store the pie?
The pie can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its fluffy texture.
3. Is it possible to freeze the pie?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie. Make sure to cover it well with foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to bake it, let it thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
This cottage cheese pie is not just a recipe but a sweet memory of moments spent with family. So, I invite you to prepare it and enjoy every slice!
Ingredients: For the dough: 1 egg, 100 g butter, 1 cup milk, 1/2 baking powder, 2 tablespoons sugar, a pinch of salt, flour as needed (~20 tablespoons). Filling: 750 g ricotta, 2 eggs, 4 tablespoons sugar, grated zest of one lemon, 1 packet vanilla sugar, raisins (optional).
