Cheese pastries with whey and dill
Cheese and Dill Pastries
Who can resist a warm, fluffy pastry filled with rich and aromatic stuffing? Cheese and dill pastries are a true delight, making them a perfect choice for breakfast, a savory snack, or even a sweet dessert. These pastries are not only tasty but also nutritious, packed with protein and flavor, making them ideal for the whole family. Moreover, the preparation process can be a pleasant activity, perfect for spending quality time in the kitchen.
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 35 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 pastries
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 50 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 3 egg yolks
- 50 g melted butter
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- Oil for kneading
- A pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 1 kg cheese
- 2 bunches of fresh dill, finely chopped
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 1 lemon essence
- 2 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon semolina
For brushing the pastries:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons honey
Preparing the dough
1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the yeast cube, 50 g of sugar, lukewarm milk, and 2-3 tablespoons of flour. Gently mix the ingredients until you get a smooth paste. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise for 15 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and puffy.
2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the activated yeast, egg yolks, melted butter, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix all the ingredients with a spatula or by hand, gradually adding lukewarm milk until you get a smooth and elastic dough.
3. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled work surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Rising: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 40 minutes or until it doubles in volume.
Preparing the filling
1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the well-drained cheese, chopped dill, powdered sugar, lemon essence, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients well until you get a smooth filling. Add the semolina to help bind the filling.
Assembling the pastries
1. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll it out with a rolling pin until you get a sheet about 1 cm thick. You can cut the dough into squares of about 10x10 cm, or you can choose to shape each pastry separately.
2. Filling: Place a tablespoon of the cheese and dill filling in the center of each square of dough. Gather the corners of the dough inward so that the filling is well wrapped.
3. Placing in the tray: Grease a tray with a little oil and dust it with flour. Place the pastries in the tray, leaving enough space between them to rise. Let them rise for another 10 minutes.
Baking
1. Brushing: Before placing the pastries in the oven, beat an egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of honey to create a glossy mixture. Brush each pastry with this mixture to give them a beautiful color when baked.
2. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray with pastries in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until they turn golden and are well baked. You can check if they are done by tapping them lightly with your finger - if they sound hollow, they are perfect.
Serving
The cheese and dill pastries are delicious both warm and cold. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look or serve them with sour cream or yogurt for a perfect contrast of textures. They are also ideal to be enjoyed with aromatic tea or coffee, bringing a touch of joy in every bite.
Practical tips
- Ingredients: Make sure the cheese is well-drained, otherwise the filling may become too wet. If you don't have cheese, you can use cottage cheese or ricotta.
- Kneading: If you want a fluffier dough, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt to the mixture. This will help achieve a more airy texture.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as feta cheese mixed with spinach or even sweet fillings like sweet cheese with raisins.
Nutritional benefits
The cheese and dill pastries are a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. Dill adds not only flavor but also antioxidants, making it a beneficial ingredient for digestion. These pastries are a good choice for a balanced meal, having a moderate calorie content, ideal for being included in your daily diet.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast, making sure to follow the instructions on the package for activation.
- How can I store the pastries? They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their original texture.
- Can they be frozen? Yes, the pastries can be frozen after they have completely cooled. Place them in an airtight container and consume them within a month.
These cheese and dill pastries are more than just a simple dish; they bring a touch of comfort and nostalgia to every meal. I wish you good luck in cooking and enjoying these delicious pastries!
Ingredients: 500 g flour, one cube of yeast, 50 g sugar, 2 tsp vanilla sugar, lemon zest, 3 egg yolks, 50 g melted butter, 200 ml milk, oil, 1 kg cottage cheese, 2 bunches of dill, 200 g powdered sugar, lemon essence, one tablespoon semolina, 2 eggs, salt, 1 yolk and 2 tablespoons honey for greasing the cheese pastries.
