Cheese pie

Cheese Pie - a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Cheese pie is a classic dessert or appetizer that reminds us of warm moments spent with family, with the inviting smell of fresh dough and aromatic cheese. This simple recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a festive meal or a casual gathering with friends. I invite you to discover the simple steps to achieve the perfect cheese pie!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour (about 4 cups)
- 25 g fresh yeast cube
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 egg
- 250 ml lukewarm water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lard or oil
- Additional oil for greasing the dough

For the filling:
- 300 g telemea cheese (or cottage cheese, as preferred)

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, crumble the yeast cube with a teaspoon of sugar until it becomes liquid. This step is essential for activating the yeast, which will help the dough rise and become fluffy.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Add the activated yeast, egg, lard or oil, salt, and lukewarm water. Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

3. Kneading the dough: This is where the fun begins! When the dough becomes less sticky, knead it on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes. If necessary, gradually add flour until the dough no longer sticks to your hands.

4. Rising: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rest in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to relax and enjoy the aroma starting to spread in the kitchen.

5. Rolling out the dough: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and turn the dough out. Gently knead it and roll it out with a rolling pin, forming a round sheet.

6. Cutting the pieces: Cut the sheet into four parts, leaving the center uncut, like a circle. Then, cut each part in half, resulting in 8 pieces.

7. Filling the pie: In the center of each piece, add oil and spread it evenly. Place a generous amount of telemea cheese (or cottage cheese) on each piece. Take each piece and wrap the filling, making sure the cheese is well covered.

8. Preparing for baking: Place the pies in a round greased baking tray. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes to maintain their shape and bake evenly.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake the pies for 30-40 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.

10. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the pies cool slightly before cutting them. You can serve them warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad or a portion of yogurt.

Practical tips

- Ingredient care: Use high-quality cheese for a rich and savory taste. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can also add a little sugar to the filling.

- Variations: You can add fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, to the cheese filling for a fresh and aromatic touch. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as feta or mozzarella.

- Storage: The pies can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave to restore their crispy texture.

Nutritional benefits

This cheese pie is an excellent source of protein due to the cheese, and the dough contains carbohydrates necessary for energy. You can also adjust the recipe to use whole wheat flour, providing a higher intake of fiber and nutrients.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast. Use about 8 g of dry yeast (about 1 tablespoon) and follow the same steps.

2. How can I make the pies lighter?
You can reduce the amount of lard or oil in the dough, or opt for lower-fat cheeses.

3. What can I serve the pies with?
Cheese pies are delicious alongside a fresh green salad or with a garlic and dill yogurt sauce.

Personal notes

This cheese pie recipe reminds me of my childhood when my mom would make them on weekends. Their aroma and taste are simply unmistakable! I encourage you to try this recipe and bring a touch of your own memories into the kitchen. Whether you enjoy them with loved ones or simply as a delicious snack, cheese pies will bring a smile to your face!

Enjoy cooking and don’t forget to share the pie with friends!

 Ingredients: For the dough: one egg, one cup of warm water - 250 ml, one teaspoon of sugar, one cube of yeast - 25 g, half a teaspoon of salt, two tablespoons of lard or oil, flour as needed, oil extra for greasing the dough. For the filling: telemea cheese.