Cheese and dill pie

Cheese and dill pie – a classic delight, perfect for any occasion

Who doesn't love a warm pie with a flaky crust and a rich filling of cheese and dill? This cheese and dill pie recipe is not only delicious but also comforting, reminding us of days spent around the table with loved ones. Moreover, it is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your tastes. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 1 hour
Total: 2 hours
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 egg yolks
- 400 ml sour cream
- 150 g lard (or 200 g margarine)
- 2 tablespoons flour (for wrapping)

For the filling:
- 400 g telemea cheese
- 200 g sheep cheese
- Salt, to taste
- 5 eggs + 2 egg whites (from the dough) + 1 egg white from one egg
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing the pie)
- Fresh dill, to taste (about 1 bunch)
- Optional: chopped green onions

The history of cheese and dill pie

Pies have a long and fascinating history, being prepared in various forms and with different fillings for centuries. They have often been associated with festive meals as well as everyday dining. This specific recipe, with cheese and dill, is a perfect combination of flavors that reflects rich culinary traditions and a love for simple yet quality ingredients.

Step by step: Preparing the pie

1. Preparing the dough
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with salt and sour cream. This combination will make the dough soft and tasty.
- Gradually add the flour and knead an elastic dough. This step is essential for achieving a perfect crust, so don't rush! The dough should become smooth and homogeneous.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and form balls. Cover them with a damp towel and let them rest for 15 minutes.

2. Wrapping the dough
- Roll out the first ball of dough on a floured surface until you get a thin sheet. This will be the base of your pie.
- Mix 1/4 of the melted lard with 2 tablespoons of flour and spread this mixture evenly over the sheet. This will help achieve a flaky and delicious texture.
- Fold the sheet into thirds (from top to bottom and then from left to right) and place it in the fridge for 15 minutes. Repeat this process with the second ball of dough.

3. Preparing the filling
- While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Grate the telemea cheese and sheep cheese into a large bowl. Add the finely chopped dill and, if desired, chopped green onions.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and add them to the cheese. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Taste and add salt, as preferred.

4. Assembling the pie
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (high heat).
- Grease a baking tray with oil and sprinkle flour to prevent the pie from sticking.
- Place the first sheet of dough in the tray and prick it with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Pour the cheese filling evenly over the first sheet. Then, roll out the second sheet of dough and cover the filling.
- Brush the top with the beaten egg yolk for a beautifully browned crust in the oven.
- Using a very sharp knife, cut the pie into squares of about 5 cm, almost to the filling. This step will make it easier to portion after baking.

5. Baking the pie
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes at high heat, then turn the pie and continue baking at low heat for another 20 minutes. The pie is ready when it becomes golden and crispy on the surface.

Practical tips

- For a lighter dough: If you don't want to deal with wrapping, you can add a cube of yeast mixed with a little flour, sugar, and milk at the beginning of the process. Let it rise for 30 minutes before rolling out the sheets.
- Choose the right cheese: Telemea cheese offers a salty taste, but you can also experiment with feta or ricotta for a creamier filling.
- Fresh dill: Using fresh dill will enhance the flavor of the pie. If you don't have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but the amount should be reduced as the flavor is more concentrated.
- Serving: The pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a fresh green salad or with plain yogurt for a refreshing contrast.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with various types of cheese, such as feta or cottage cheese. Each will provide a unique flavor to your pie.

2. How can I store the pie?
The pie stores well in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven before serving.

3. Is this recipe useful for parties?
Absolutely! Cheese and dill pie is a perfect appetizer for parties and can be served both warm and cold.

Possible variations

- Spinach and cheese pie: Add fresh spinach to the filling for a green and healthy variant.
- Mushroom pie: You can add sautéed mushrooms for a deep and delicious flavor.
- Vegetarian pie: Replace the cheese with tofu and add vegetables of your choice for a vegan option.

In conclusion, this cheese and dill pie is not only a simple recipe but also an opportunity to explore traditional flavors. It is a dish that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and turn any meal into a special occasion. So don't hesitate! Put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and allow yourself to enjoy the magic of cooking! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough: 500 g flour, 1 tablespoon salt, 2 egg yolks, 400 ml sour cream. For the filling: 400 g telemea cheese, 200 g sheep cheese, salt to taste, 5 eggs + 2 egg whites from the dough + 1 egg white from another egg + 1 yolk for brushing the pie on top, dill.