Moldovan cheese pies
Moldovan cheese pies: a recipe that combines tradition and authentic taste
Who doesn't remember the enticing aroma of Moldovan cheese pies that spread throughout the house during childhood? This dessert is not just a delicacy, but also a nostalgic memory for many of us. The fluffy pies, filled with sweet cheese and raisins, are perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or warm milk. Let's discover together how to prepare them!
Total preparation time: 2 hours
Working time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 pieces
Necessary ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 kg of flour
- 200 ml of milk
- 1 cube of fresh yeast
- 4 eggs (3 for the dough and 1 for brushing)
- 5 tablespoons of oil
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence
For the filling:
- 300 g of fresh cow cheese
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (or to taste)
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 100 g of raisins (optional, but highly recommended)
Step by step: Preparing Moldovan cheese pies
1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is not only to eliminate impurities but also to aerate the flour, which will make your pies fluffier.
2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the yeast cube, a teaspoon of sugar, a tablespoon of oil, and warm milk (not hot, otherwise you'll destroy the yeast). Gently mix and let it sit for 15-20 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This is an essential step, as active yeast is the key to a fluffy dough.
3. Preparing the dough: After the yeast has risen, add it to the flour. Add the 3 eggs, 5 tablespoons of sugar, salt, and rum essence. Mix well with a spatula or by hand until the ingredients combine. Finally, add the oil and mix again. Now it's time to knead the dough! Use a clean surface and knead well for 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth.
4. Rising the dough: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.
5. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Mix the fresh cow cheese with the 5 tablespoons of sugar, the beaten egg, and the lemon zest. If you like raisins, add them now, making sure to wash and hydrate them in warm water for 10 minutes.
6. Shaping the pies: After the dough has risen, divide it into pieces the size of a tennis ball. Roll each piece into a round sheet, leaving the edge thicker. Slightly score the edges of the sheet in 5-6 places. Place a tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center and fold the dough, bringing the edges towards the center. Make sure the filling is well sealed inside.
7. Second rising: Place the formed pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, letting them rise for another 10-15 minutes. This step will make them even fluffier.
8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the pies with beaten egg and sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a sweet finish. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden. Avoid raising the temperature too much, as they may burn on the outside and remain raw inside.
9. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the pies cool slightly before serving. These Moldovan pies are delicious warm, but you can also enjoy them at room temperature.
Serving suggestions: Serve the pies with a glass of milk, a fragrant tea, or even with a scoop of ice cream. For an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle them with a little powdered sugar before serving.
Nutritional benefits: These pies are a good source of carbohydrates from flour, protein from eggs and cheese, and vitamins from lemon zest. The raisins add extra fiber and antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but be careful to adjust the liquid amount, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.
2. How can I store the pies?
The pies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can freeze them for longer storage.
3. Can I replace cow cheese with another type of cheese?
Of course! You can use ricotta or goat cheese for different flavors.
Possible variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as salty cheese, spinach, or even chocolate for a sweet version.
Moldovan cheese pies are more than just a dessert; they are a part of culinary culture, a way to bring family and friends together. So don't hesitate to prepare them and impress your guests with these fluffy delights!
Ingredients: kg flour, 200 ml milk, 1 cube of yeast, 4 eggs, 5 tablespoons of oil, 10 tablespoons of sugar, powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of rum essence, 1 teaspoon of salt, 300 g of fresh cow cheese, lemon zest, raisins
