Feta cheese pies

Feta Cheese Pastries: A Warm Delight for Gloomy Days

When the sky turns gray and the rain starts to fall, there’s nothing more comforting than the inviting aroma of warm pastries filled with feta cheese. These treats are perfect for a savory breakfast or as a snack any time of the day. I invite you to discover this simple yet flavorful recipe that will warm your soul and fill your home with a delightful scent.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Servings: 12 pastries

Ingredients needed:

For the dough:
- 750 g flour
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 3 heaping tablespoons of yogurt (preferably Greek)
- 3 eggs (preferably small)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 and a half packets of dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- a pinch of cumin
- a pinch of rosemary
- a pinch of oregano

For the filling:
- 400 g feta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped

For brushing:
- 3 egg yolks

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential for aerating the flour and achieving a fluffier dough. Make a well in the center of the flour, like a small crater.

2. Activating the yeast: In the well created, add the dry yeast and sugar. Sprinkle the salt around the edges of the bowl. This will help activate the yeast without overwhelming it.

3. Adding wet ingredients: In the flour well, add the eggs, yogurt, olive oil, and spices: cumin, rosemary, and oregano. Gradually start adding the lukewarm milk. It’s important that the milk is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.

4. Kneading the dough: Using a spatula or your hands, start incorporating the ingredients. Once everything is well mixed, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Form a ball from the dough and make a deep cross-shaped incision on its surface.

5. Letting it rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until the dough doubles in volume.

6. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, crumble the feta cheese. Add the beaten egg, dill, and chopped parsley. Mix the filling well. This filling will give the pastries an intense and fresh flavor.

7. Shaping the pastries: Once the dough has risen, divide it into fist-sized pieces. Take each piece and flatten it into a disc shape. In the center of each disc, place a tablespoon of the cheese filling. Gather the edges of the dough to form a pouch, ensuring the filling is sealed well.

8. Second rise: Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 20 minutes. This is an important step, as it allows the dough to become even fluffier.

9. Brushing and baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Brush the pastries with the egg yolks to give them a golden color when baked. Bake the pastries for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy.

10. Serving: Once done, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These feta cheese pastries are delicious both warm and at room temperature. They can be served alongside creamy yogurt or a fresh salad for a complete lunch.

Tips and suggestions:

- Filling variations: You can experiment by adding olives, caramelized onions, or even spinach to the feta cheese filling to give a personal touch to the recipe.
- Serving: These pastries are also great for picnics or family gatherings. You can wrap them in aluminum foil to keep them warm.
- Dough care: If you want an even fluffier dough, let it rise for a longer time, even up to two hours, depending on the room temperature.

Nutritional benefits:

Feta cheese pastries are not only delicious but also nutritious. Feta cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, while fresh herbs add vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the whole wheat flour used can provide fiber, contributing to healthy digestion.

Calories:

One serving (about one pastry) contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use different cheese?
Yes, you can try ricotta, cottage cheese, or even mozzarella for a fluffier version.

2. How can I store the pastries?
You can store the pastries in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture.

3. Can I freeze the pastries?
Yes, the pastries can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray and freeze them, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to bake them, let them thaw at room temperature before baking.

In conclusion, feta cheese pastries are a delicious and comforting choice, perfect for bringing warmth on rainy days. This recipe will turn you into a top chef in your own kitchen, and each bite will be an explosion of flavors. Don’t hesitate to experiment and add your personal touch to this classic recipe. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 750 g flour, 250 ml warm milk, 3 full tablespoons of yogurt (I used Greek yogurt), 3 small eggs, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 and a half packets of dry yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar (brown), a pinch of cumin, a pinch of rosemary, a pinch of oregano, 400 g feta cheese, 1 egg, 3 egg yolks for brushing, 1/2 bunch of dill, 1/2 bunch of parsley.

 Tags:  cheese pie